CONSUMER Protection has released a new warning about a notoriously shady tree lopper – and it now includes his nephew.
A spokesman said Wanneroo resident Sean Robert Weinthal had a “high level” of inquiries and complaints against him over the past year.
The spokesman described Mr Weinthal as a “rogue tree lopper” with a long history of “dodgy business practices”.
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READ NOWThere had also been complaints against a business run by his nephew Mitchell Craig Grisbrook, of Connolly.
The department had received 44 inquiries and 18 complaints against Mr Weinthal between January 1 last year and January 8 this year.
There were multiple business names involved, including:
Specialised Arborist Services (sometimes referred to as SAS Tree Services)
Advanced Tree Specialists
West Coast Trees
Manageable Tree Services
Metropolitan Tree Services
West Australian Tree Services
In relation to his nephew Mr Grisbrook, the department had received 51 inquiries and 23 complaints against a business called Elite Trees.
Mr Grisbrook was the registered proprietor of that business, while Mr Weinthal was believed to be an employee.
The spokesman said the pair were currently believed to be operating under that name as well as SAS Tree Services.
It is understood Mr Weinthal is using the alias “John” when dealing with customers.
The complaints against the pair included trespassing, bullying, property damage and failing to carry out work.
Consumer Protection commissioner David Hillyard said Mr Weinthal could not be trusted to operate a business “ethically or legally”.
“It is with great frustration and exacerbation that Consumer Protection is issuing another alert about Mr Weinthal who, despite being prosecuted and the cause of numerous warnings for many years now, continues his misconduct,” he said.
“He has no appreciation of his obligations under consumer law and uses bullying tactics to intimidate consumers into accepting quotes.
“We can’t recommend strongly enough for consumers to avoid Mr Weinthal, Mr Grisbrook and their various businesses when getting quotes for tree lopping services.
“Usually they drop flyers in letterboxes in areas where verge-side rubbish collections are scheduled by local councils.
“If you receive one of their flyers, ignore it and ensure you get multiple quotes from other more reputable businesses.”
Victims can lodge a complaint through www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au.
Inquiries can be made by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or phoning 1300 304 054.
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