Toronto police arrest man, 18, in roofing scam

An 18-year-old man is facing charges after police allege he was involved in an elaborate roofing scam that involved hiring unsuspecting sub-contractors who were never compensated.

Police say on Tuesday, April 25, three men were in the Coxwell and Danforth Avenues area, where they approached a homeowner, saying they were working as roofers on a nearby home and noticed damage on their roof.

When they offered to inspect the roof, the homeowner agreed.

After conducting the phony inspection, police say the homeowner was provided with a quote for $18,500. The homeowner gave the men a deposit of $9000 to begin work the next day.

“The following day, an unsuspecting sub-contracted crew arrived and began working on the roof,” police explained in a release. “The man who provided the quote returned asking for $3000 to purchase supplies. When the homeowner returned from the bank with the withdrawal, the man was gone. By phone, the man told the homeowner to hand the money to the new crew.”

That’s when the homeowner became suspicious and after speaking with other neighbours decided to call the police.

A few days later on Friday, April 28, police say three men were in the Eglinton Avenue East and Bayview Avenue area trying to execute the same scam, but witnesses aware of their alleged intentions called police.

When officers arrived, they found two men on a homeowner’s property. One of them was “an unsuspected sub-contractor” police said, while the other man matched the description from the previous incident and ran upon spotting police.

After a brief foot chase, he was arrested.

Police say in both instances, the men identified themselves as working for a company called “CO Roofing & Masonry” and gave a contact number of “647-767-0300.”

Stewart Millet, of no fixed address, is facing charges of fraud over $5000 and mischief damage to property over $5000.

Police say none of the unsuspecting subcontractors ended up receiving any money.

The investigation is ongoing and police remind homeowners “to be diligent when granting access to their homes, especially for unsolicited inspections and repairs.”