Extortion alive and well at G. Lloyd & Sons equipment hire in Abergele

Extortion (also called shakedown, outwresting, and exaction) is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person(s), entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime groups. The actual obtainment of money or property is not required to commit the offense. Making a threat of violence which refers to a requirement of a payment of money or property to halt future violence is sufficient to commit the offense. Exaction refers not only to extortion or the unlawful demanding and obtaining of something through force,^[1] but additionally, in its formal definition, means the infliction of something such as pain and suffering or making somebody endure something unpleasant.^[2]

We hired a large digger from G. Lloyd & Sons for a weekend project last month.  The mates, Chris,  rates were £350/week plus £70 delivery.  We agreed on the terms and planned to have the digger arrive Friday.  G. Lloyd & Sons then asked if they could deliver the machine on Thursday.

After completing our project we agreed to have the machine picked up on Wednesday.  On Wednesday we were informed the the rate would be £550 cash for the hire or if we wanted an invoice it would have VAT as well.

We cut a check for £550 written to G. Lloyd & Sons.  Whereupon Chris asked the check to be written to C. Lloyd & Sons and wanted to know our address for the invoice which now read £650.  Not wanting an invoice or another rate hike we refused to rewrite the check.  Whereupon Chris said he would send the debt collectors here, pointed at Mary and the Hotel and said "You better watch out!" as he drove off.

Not accustom to extortion first hand I related the aforementioned incident to the local police who made a note of the events and offered a rapid intervention should the supplier act problematic in the future.

I'm surprised people can run a business and treat customers with such appalling behavior.

If you would like threats of physical violence against your family, your home and your business then call  G. Lloyd & Sons today and ask to speak to Chris.

A sad but true tale from North Wales