New Zealand Suffering From Rogue Double Glazing Firm

It looks like the double glazing industry's problem of rogue companies isn't just a UK based one. This is an article from New Zealand which made TV headlines:

A Christchurch double glazer has come to the rescue of a woman left out of pocket by a rival company.

As reported on ONE News last night, Alie Van Der Lem from Sydenham was left hanging by the company Double Glaze It.

After saving for two years, Van Der Lem paid Double Glaze It a $1500 deposit in July last year. But her son Ron told ONE News that since then his mother has had nothing but excuses.

ONE News also talked to seven other people who say they paid money and haven't had their jobs finished.

After last night's news, Ron Van Der Lem was inundated with calls from others who said they had been stung by Double Glaze It. Some companies said they had lost more than $100,000.

A call was also received from another company, Energy Saving Centre, who have offered to do Alie Van Der Lem's double glazing for free. They say it will be completed within a month.

Blame game

The two men involved in Double Glaze It - Paul Harrow and Craig Young - are blaming each other for the company's problems.

Double Glaze It salesman Harrow said he came home to find eight tonnes of broken glass dumped in his driveway in what he claims is an act of intimidation.

"I've been accused of embezzling money; I haven't had any charges laid against me, so I presume he's [Young] trying to intimidate me," Harrow said.

Harrow no longer works for the company and says the money from the customers went into Young's account. Young claims Harrow has siphoned off the money.

The police are aware of the case but said they would only investigate if a significant number of people come forward.

The report is courtesy of www.tvnz.co.nz