Three arrested in GC’s PCs investigation

Police investigating the online retailer GC’s PCs have arrested three people and released them on police bail pending further enquiries.

In a statement, Essex Police said: “Police arrested three people after attending two addresses in Canvey and Benfleet at on Monday morning, May 11, 2009, as part of a joint investigation with Trading Standards into the online company GC’s PCs.”

“A former director, a man aged 52 from Benfleet, the current managing director, a 16-year-old boy from Benfleet, as well as a 49-year-old woman who is a former director of the company were arrested and released on police bail pending further enquiries to 11 August”.

Complaints about GC’s PCs, which sold gadgets such as mobile phones, started to surface in January this year. Customer complaints included allegations of unauthorised payments taken from credit cards, non-delivery of goods or the wrong goods being delivered.

Some also said that the company failed to reply to customer queries about problems with their orders. Terrence Warmbier placed an order for four Nokia 5800 phones, costing £1,346, on 10 November 2008. On 8 December he found the cost had risen.

“My credit card was charged a further £800 by GC’s PCs,” he said. Mr Warmbier claims that the extra charge was unexpected and unauthorised.

Trading Standards and the police are still investigating some of the complaints.

Detective Sergeant Simon Dovaston, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a complex enquiry, involving complaints to several police areas, and Trading Standards.

“Enquiries are still required to resolve the matter, but it is hoped a positive outcome will be forthcoming. At this time, the website www.gcspcs.co.uk remains off line.”