Acting Fair Trading Minister Graham West today warned South Coast communities that bitumen bandits are operating in the region.

Mr West said the bitumen bandits are a highly organised gang of unlicensed traders who target residential and rural properties offering to lay asphalt driveways cheaply for cash. 

“Fair Trading has received one report from a Shoalhaven resident who was approached by an out-of-town operator this week,” he said.

“The trader claimed he had surplus material from the Bendalong/Mt Conjola roadworks, but no one associated with the project has ever heard of him.

“The person soliciting business in the Shoalhaven area is not a licensed builder and is known to Fair Trading, who is currently investigating the incident.

“The Woollamia/Huskisson area is being targeted this week, but these con men have a reputation for moving quickly and could have their sights on any area in the region.”

Mr West said Bitumen Bandits often attempt to bully residents into paying for substandard work.

“In some cases, they have been known to forcibly drive people to the bank to withdraw money or cash a cheque,” he said.

“They have been known to charge up to $7,000 to seal a driveway so there is nothing ‘cheap’ about these deals.

“After completing the work, the bandits leave the area and consumers are unable to contact them or obtain refunds or warranties.”

The bitumen bandits are known to operate in several states, most recently in northern NSW and Victoria.

Victorian Police arrested one alleged dodgy operator last month, who is now facing a total of 29 charges for breaching the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, Fair Trading Act 1999 and the Building Act 1993.

Mr West said bitumen bandits were the subject of ongoing Fair Trading investigations and the NSW Government was pursuing every avenue to shut them down.

Police Minister Michael Daley said it was important for people who are the victims of bitumen bandits to contact police.

“The assistance of the community is an invaluable resource for local police when it comes to arresting criminals of this nature,” he said.“These so-called bandits could face up to five years in prison if convicted under the Crimes Act.

“That’s why I’d ask people to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or their local police on 13 14 44 if they are approached by anyone offering quotes for bitumen laying. 

Mr West encouraged residents to also contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they are approached by bitumen bandits.

Back to Media releases