A doorstep criminal has been sentenced to 16 months in prison following a successful prosecution supported by Bromley Council’s Trading Standards team.
This prosecution prompts the warning to residents to be careful not to accept work from traders at the door and to instead find a reliable trader for the job. Investigations began in 2019 following reports of fraud and resulted in the prosecution of Kenneth Hughes on Friday 13 June 2025. Hughes was convicted of two counts of fraud at Croydon Crown Court after grossly misrepresenting the cost of disposing of garden waste to two residents in 2019. Along with imprisonment, Hughes was also ordered to pay over £2500 in fines and costs.
A council spokesperson said, “This case highlights the deceptive techniques that doorstep criminals use to exploit residents. We advise residents not to engage with doorstep traders, and before having work done to carry out thorough checks first. Always agree the cost of waste disposal upfront if it’s not included in the total price, and ensure the trader is a licensed waste carrier. The council will take enforcement action where necessary to protect residents.”
Hughes distributed leaflets advertising gardening services and was then hired by two residents to remove a shrub and a tree. After completing the work, Hughes falsely claimed that the disposal of the waste would cost £1,447 and £3,641.25 respectively - the latter later reduced to £2,450 - using a bogus price-per-kilo calculation. Both residents reported the matter to Trading Standards, prompting the investigation that led to identifying Hughes and his subsequent prosecution.
Residents are reminded to verify that any trader they employ holds a valid waste carrier’s licence. This can be done by asking to see the permit and checking the Environment Agency’s public register or by calling 03708 506 506.
Residents can also find safe, local, and reliable traders with Trading Standards Checked, the council’s fair-trader directory. Visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to hire approved businesses for a range of services in the home maintenance sector.
For more advice on avoiding doorstep crime, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/trading-standards.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Mr Hughes was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment on 13 June 2025.
- Mr Hughes was convicted of counts 1 and 3 of the indictment.
- Mr Hughes paid £1447 in compensation for one of the cases, as well as £1000 prosecution costs and a £140 surcharge, totalling £2,587.
For media enquiries, please contact David Aderogba, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8466 3060 or email david.aderogba@bromley.gov.uk.