An investigation led by officers in trading standards jobs has resulted in a dishonest locksmith being jailed for four years.
Mark Makowski, 40, was charged with 15 counts of fraud after 88 residents complained about his conduct to trading standards officers and 11 took their case against him to court.
He specifically targeted people who had been burgled or locked out of their homes and were desperate for an emergency locksmith.
Mr Makowski would then make them pay up to £1,000 more than his original quote of between £100 and £200.
The court ruled that the locksmith, who was frequently featured on BBC's Rogue Traders programme, bullied and intimidated unhappy customers.
Judge Anthony Morris said: "You have shown a total lack of remorse and shown yourself to be a thoroughly dishonest man."
Local authority members in Huddersfield are hoping that their residents will not have to face the same trading problems after Kirklees Council announced it will be spending more money to warn people about doorstop salesmen in the area, the Huddersfield Daily Examiner reported.
Posted by Francesca Critchlow
