A 'COWBOY builder' who has fleeced customers out of thousands of pounds has been added to the UK’s most wanted list.

Steven Fidler, from Tipton, is wanted for a series of frauds between November 2019 and January 2022.

Fidler, who is aged between 35 and 40, is being sought by several police forces across the UK including West Midlands Police and Warwickshire Police, according to Crimestoppers.

His whereabouts are unknown and is believed to use various names such as Steven Doherty, Steve Donohue, Billy McGuinley, Riley McGuinley, Riley Doherty, Simey McGuinley and Paddy McGuinley.

The company names he has used in incidents are Doherty Master Plastering and Building Solutions, Doherty Building Solutions, Elite Roofing and Building Services, Master Build and Fortitude Painting & Decorating Solutions.

Dudley News: Steven Fidler.Steven Fidler. (Image: West Midlands Police.)

Crimestoppers said: “Owners of properties wanted some building work or decorating doing.

“Several of them have advertised their projects on online bidding sites and have then been contacted by Fidler using various unregistered company names. “Others have had him recommended to them.

“Fidler has quoted for the building work for each of the complainants and this has been accepted, with contracts being drawn up either verbally or, in lots of cases, written.

“Fidler has asked for a large portion of the costs upfront and the complainants have paid thousands of pounds in bank transfers and cash.

“He has then started the work for each complainant, often recommending further work they need doing, and asking for more money.

“His attendance has been sporadic, frequently making excuses as to non-attendance.

“For the majority of the complainants, Fidler has done work to demolish or strip back parts of each house, and has then stopped attending.”