Complaints About Pat’s Towing Pour into GoLocalWorcester

Friday, March 09, 2012

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Since Wednesday, GoLocalWorcester has received more than 80 complains regarding Pat’s Towing through emails and social media messages. The complaints about the City’s exclusive towing company range from verbal abuse to reckless driving.

The company has been suspended by AAA, has a grade of F by the Better Business Bureau and the State Police have dropped them.

“A couple of years ago, a wonderful anniversary celebration and night out in beautiful downtown Worcester turned into a nightmare. After enjoying a great performance at the Hanover Theatre, we and several other patrons we knew of, came out to find 'no car' in the parking lot. It did not take too long to find out that our car was towed and of course, where else? Pat's got it for sure,” said Gwen Anderson of Shrewsbury.

The Mayor and City Complaints

Mayor Joseph Petty said, “The City of Worcester has received 3 complaints regarding Pat’s Towing which were submitted to DPU over a three year time period. The City takes all complaints seriously and ensures appropriate steps are taken when necessary to resolve all issues.”

In contrast, a posting about Pat’s Towing by GoLocalWorcester to the Facebook page Worcester, MA, that has 17,634 followers, generated more than 80 individual complaints about Pat’s Towing.

The Mayor urges people to notify the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s Office if they have a complaint. The Attorney General’s office has received only two complaints regarding Pat’s in the last five years.

When asked what would trigger a review or even a cancellation of a contractor with the city. The Mayor said, “The City Administration deals with all contracts and their enforcement. The vendor would need to be in breach of the contract in order for the City to cancel or suspend the contract.”

State agency overseeing towing

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency to oversee tow truck companies. The agency has received three complaints regarding Pat’s Towing in the last several years. None of the cases resulted in a violation issued by the DPU.

Catherine Williams, the Government spokesperson for the DPU said, “The DPU regulates fees and rates for towing. DPU regulates things known as drop fees and fuel charges for towing companies. That is the extent of our jurisdiction in terms of regulation of towing companies. “

Reaction from Pat’s competitor

John Direnzo of Direnzo Towing in Worcester is a competitor of Pat’s Towing. He said, “ I hope the city acts in the best interest of the city and looks into the situation.”

Background checks for city contractors

Councilor Konnie Lukes said, “The City has an obligation to provide not only better services but also safer services to the public, which is the
reason why I support mandating bidders to city contracts to agree to CORI requirements.”

Councilor Russell wants city officials to explore criminal background checks on employees at towing companies and a broad range of other contractors doing business with city.

“If the city of Worcester is fixing up the city and is serious about welcoming visitors and taking care of its residents, they need to listen and pay attention. Times are tough enough without being cheated…” said Anderson