Family’s anger over Christmas hamper rip-off

Police are probing a Christmas hamper agent amid claims that he has misused customers’ savings.

A cancer-struck Galashiels family fear they are among several victims of Park Christmas Savings Club agent Geoff Quinn, 50, who has taken more than £1,000 of their cash, but given them nothing in return.

The savings club have also launched an investigation into what the dad-of-five has done with the money.

Quinn, who also works in Tesco, collected the cash from mum and daughter, Elaine Philips, 53, and Stacy Watson, 34, every week at the Border town’s The Gluepot pub, which they run.

Landlord Elaine, 53, is recovering from breast cancer. She has lost £450 and said: “I can’t believe this has happened.

“Christmas is ruined. The stress this has put on my health is immeasurable.

“We were looking towards a nice family Christmas where we didn’t need to worry about my health or money. But now that’s all over.

“I’ve dealt with Geoff for the past six years in the savings scheme and there’s never been any problems. I have no idea why he’s decided to keep our money this year.”

Mum-of-one Stacy, 34, a barmaid in the boozer, is £535 out of pocket and added: “Every week we handed over money and he stamped our books. I thought the scheme was safe as houses.

“I started to smell a rat when I heard other people were getting their vouchers from him in the middle of November but he kept putting us off.

“He said there was a problem with the main office but when I contacted them they said there was no such problem. Since then he’s gone to ground.

“I’ve heard lots of other people saying they’ve been ripped off too.

“It’s my 11-year-old daughter Sophie and my mum I feel sorry for. Sophie is at that magical age of really enjoying Christmas and my mum has been so unwell.

“We were looking forward to a relaxing holiday. To do this to my mum is unforgiveable.”

It is understood Quinn, a checkout supervisor at the town’s Tesco Extra superstore, has come clean to Park about the missing cash.

An internal document from the firm says he’s tried and failed to secure a loan to pay off the debt and has suggested a payment plan for his irate customers.

But last night Stacy said: “It’s not good enough. How could he be so heartless?

“It meant we wouldn’t get our money until next year. The whole point was to pay for this Christmas.”

Last week the town was awash with rumours as to how many people had been affected.

One local said: “I paid him but got all my vouchers. So did my two pals. The word is some of his colleagues at Tesco have been ripped off too.

“I can’t believe his brass neck.”

A spokesperson for Park Group, who refused to say how much has been lost or how many customers have been affected, said: “Park is aware of the situation and is in the process of completing an investigation.

“Park is working quickly and hopes to resolve matters to the customers’ satisfaction during the next week.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said inquiries were underway. We contacted Quinn on several occasions but he did not respond.

He later contacted Elaine and Stacy to say they would get their vouchers next week but it is unclear as to whether it is he or the company who are covering the cost.

Have you been affected? Get in touch with The Sunday Post newsdesk on 0141 567 2762.