May 2010 . . Shonky Contractor
– in Samford Valley
Beware of two to three men in white trucks coming through the area claiming to have “excess “ bitumen from a job they are doing in the area.
Last Wednesday 14th April, I was in my garden when I noticed a small truck (Isuzu or similar drive up the neighbour’s driveway). I continued on with gardening and then heard it turn around, drive back, and shortly thereafter came up mine.
A man in a Hi visibility vest got out of the vehicle and claimed he was a professional contractor to a large local contract for roads and had excess bitumen that he would lay for a “ good price”.
First impression was very suspicious, however thought I may give it a go. I advised that I would speak with my husband tonight and get back to him. His sales tactics then were a little more shall we say “ persuasive “ and intimated that it had to be tomorrow or “ I will miss out”
Short story ….. they came the next day at lunchtime and laid the “ hot mix” with “ all the equipment for a professional job” … two men , 2 4 x 2 lengths of timber , a truck of “ hot mix” a shovel !!! and a very quick 5 minute “whacker packer and gone in just over an hour with my cash cheque .
The job was not where we discussed it was to be placed, nor was it professional , so I phoned the “boss” to discuss, that’s when everything went even more pear shaped. My husband then called to discuss and we were verbally abused, threatened and they said that they would come around and pick up the job as it was their property until all was paid for. There was no way they were open for a resolution.
They came back, poured diesel all over it, pick axed and abused , threatened my husband again and left .
After phoning a legitimate driveway contractor for advice as to the disposal of the wreckage, they advised that he has had approximately 20 calls in the past few months about these contractors.
I encourage the community to support each other and protect ourselves from these thieves and use local media to get the message out so it doesn’t happen to others.
A man in a Hi visibility vest got out of the vehicle and claimed he was a professional contractor to a large local contract for roads and had excess bitumen that he would lay for a “ good price”.
First impression was very suspicious, however thought I may give it a go. I advised that I would speak with my husband tonight and get back to him. His sales tactics then were a little more shall we say “ persuasive “ and intimated that it had to be tomorrow or “ I will miss out”
Short story ….. they came the next day at lunchtime and laid the “ hot mix” with “ all the equipment for a professional job” … two men , 2 4 x 2 lengths of timber , a truck of “ hot mix” a shovel !!! and a very quick 5 minute “whacker packer and gone in just over an hour with my cash cheque .
The job was not where we discussed it was to be placed, nor was it professional , so I phoned the “boss” to discuss, that’s when everything went even more pear shaped. My husband then called to discuss and we were verbally abused, threatened and they said that they would come around and pick up the job as it was their property until all was paid for. There was no way they were open for a resolution.
They came back, poured diesel all over it, pick axed and abused , threatened my husband again and left .
After phoning a legitimate driveway contractor for advice as to the disposal of the wreckage, they advised that he has had approximately 20 calls in the past few months about these contractors.
I encourage the community to support each other and protect ourselves from these thieves and use local media to get the message out so it doesn’t happen to others.
(Name and address supplied)
N.B. Also see Police News. Editor.
