ACE Fence Shuts Down After 50 Years

The state Attorney General's office is looking into the recent closing of a local fence company. Ace Fence suddenly shut down last week - leaving dozens of projects unfinished.<br><br>This is unusual

Tuesday, August 21st 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The state Attorney General's office is looking into the recent closing of a local fence company. Ace Fence suddenly shut down last week - leaving dozens of projects unfinished.

This is unusual - It involves a company that had a good track record and decades of experience. But that changed last month -leaving dozens of homeowners with lost deposit money and unfinished fences.

Pat Shannon, Ace Fence Customer

Rick Brinkley, Better Business Bureau

Walk into this backyard in Broken Arrow - you'll find chicken wire instead a of chain link fence.

The Shannon family had to put it up so their dogs could go outside.

The problems began in May - when they discovered their wooden fence was rotting.

Pat Shannon, Former Ace Fence Customer:"So we called around trying to get estimates on what it would cost to replace the fence."

They chose Ace Fence company, signed a contract for a chain link fence. and paid nearly $1,000 for a deposit. Then they waited two months for a crew to show up.

Pat Shannon: "They finally came out the end of July, rmoved our old fence and that was it. I have nothing."

They called, sent e-mails and then learned Ace Fence closed its doors. We called as well...but no one answered. We stopped by - the door was locked and we couldn't see anyone inside.

Rick Brinkley, BBB: "We have not heard back from anyone."

The Better Business Bureau is involved, because up until July 11th, the company had been a BBB member.

Rick Brinkley, BBB: "We did not have any kind of problem with this company and then one day we got 16 complaints in one day. We just realized we've got a huge problem on our hands."

The BBB suspended Ace Fence's membership but still tried to process consumer complaints.

The company never called back so it brought in the state Attorney General's office.

Rick Brinkley, BBB: "We've been trying to work together with the Attorney General's office to be able to help consumers know what to do at this point."

Consumer who paid for work that hasn't been completed. We talked to the Attorney General's office. It is reviewing all of the complaints, and talking with the Tulsa County District Attorney's office to figure out the next step to take. As of August 20th, the company had not filed for bankruptcy.

This is a rare case... because it involves a long time member of the BBB.

The Bureau is not really sure what went wrong - but suspect there may have been a change in ownership.