Security installer leaves consumers unguarded
An Ipswich security adviser and equipment installer has been fined after being taken to court by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for accepting deposits for the supply and installation of security equipment but failing to do so.
On 26 October 2022 Michael John Church, the sole owner of ELP Technology, failed to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court. The matter was heard ex-parte and Mr Church was found guilty of breaching the Australian Consumer Law.
He was fined $4,000 and ordered to pay $2,050 compensation to affected consumers.
The court heard that between February 2021 and April 2021, Mr Church accepted a total of $2,050 from two consumers to supply and install security systems at their properties. Both consumers had made appointments with Mr Church for the installation to be completed.
Mr Church subsequently cancelled each appointment and failed to make further contact with the consumers. After several months passed both consumers requested a full refund after he failed to attend to complete the work. When a refund was not provided, they lodged a complaint with OFT.
Mr Church’s security adviser and security equipment installer licence expired in July 2021, and he currently remains unlicensed to carry out this type of work.
Queenslanders are encouraged to use OFT’S free licence search to check if a security provider is licensed.
Commissioner of Fair Trading, Victoria Thomson said the OFT licence and register individuals and corporations in a variety of industries.
“If anyone has concerns about a security provider I would urge them to use the online search register to find out if they have the appropriate licence to do their job,” Ms Thomson said.
“If traders are unable to complete a service, they simply need to do the right thing and refund customers, rather than stringing them along, causing stress and financial loss.”
If consumers have paid for goods or services they have not received, they should raise the issue with the trader. If they are unable to resolve the issue with the business, they are encouraged to make a complaint to the OFT either online at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading, or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).