Police to probe complaints concerning Hamilton jewellers

Dec 9 2010 Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE are to probe complaints that a Hamilton jeweller has been slow to return watches and necklaces left for repair.

Some customers of Figaro, in Quarry Street, feared they would not see their jewellery again and 16 of them lodged complaints with South Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards officers.

It is understood that complaints were also made to police.

Yesterday (Wednesday), a spokesman for the council said: “This matter is now being dealt with by Strathclyde Police.

“Consumers with concerns should contact Hamilton CID.”

It was back in October that the Advertiser reported the comments of anxious customers who handed jewellery for repair into Figaro’s.

They were concerned about the length of time it was taking for the watches, necklaces and bracelets to be returned.

Figaro owner Alan Morris said the problems had arisen due to his dealings with an outworker.

He insisted he had taken on other goldsmiths to tackle the repairs backlog.

However, despite that assurance, police have decided to take over the inquiry and will be interviewing customers who have made complaints against Figaro.

It is thought the total number of complaints lodged with police and Trading Standards is more than 25.

Grievances concern an array of jewellery, including a Rolex watch which is valued at £6000.

One complainant, Marguerite Twaddle, from Blantyre, told the Advertiser in October how, a month earlier, she handed in to Figaro’s a £300 gold necklace for repair.

She said she was told she would get it back the following week.

On six occasions, Ms Twaddle visited the shop to get back the necklace but left empty-handed each time.

On Tuesday, she said: “Not long after I complained to Advertiser and trading standards about my necklace, I got it back.

“However, it had not been properly repaired and a piece of the chain was snapped. Even so, I was delighted to see it returned.”

Ms Twaddle added: “Every time I went into the shop there was someone else in complaining about jewellery handed in for repair that had not been returned.

“One woman, who had put in her late mother’s ring, was in tears after asking about it.”