Trading Standards uses ‘lethal weapon’ to bag top award

Scooping a top award last night, Suffolk Trading Standards’ ‘lethal weapon’ in the fight against rogue traders was celebrated by hundreds at the prestigious UK Public Sector Digital Awards.
At a ceremony held at London’s Guildhall, the team won the award for ‘best use of social media’ for their project ‘social media – the lethal weapon against rogue traders’ and were also recognised nationally for ‘best example of citizen engagement’ as finalists in that category.

In September 2011, the team launched a ‘day in the life of a Suffolk Trading Standards officer’, with three days of Twitter updates providing a unique insight into the work of the team; from inspecting goods at the Port of Felixstowe to preventing cold callers.

Suffolk Trading Standards’ Twitter profile now has nearly 900 followers, and is frequently updated with information and advice to keep people safe. Its regular blog complements these short updates with detailed information, handy tips and expert advice from lead trading standards officers.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said; “It is staggering just how many people regularly use social media, and I’m delighted that we have been recognised for our innovative approach. I am very proud of the team’s efforts to harness this new technology to effectively communicate with people and businesses in Suffolk.

“Our fast-growing online community is a potent way to keep ahead of unscrupulous rogue traders, who will stop at nothing to con people out of their money.”

Sarah Nagra, Community Engagement Officer, is at the leading edge of the team’s approach to using social media. She said; “We are thrilled that our efforts to protect Suffolk communities were recognised last night. We called our entry the ‘lethal weapon against rogue traders’ as this really is one of the most powerful tools we have for keeping one step ahead in our aim to protect the public.

“Twitter, Facebook and the like offer a brilliant platform for people to tell us when they think an advert, salesperson or scheme might be untrustworthy, and helps us share this information with others.”

To sign up for regular trading standards’ updates and to be directed to the Twitter and Facebook pages, visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/BusinessAndConsumer/TradingStandards

Holiday scammers on the prowl

Monday 16th January is deemed to be the most depressing day of the year, and Suffolk Trading Standards is warning people to be vigilant when booking a sunny holiday to cure their winter blues.

Dubbed by Cardiff University researcher Cliff Arnall as the gloomiest date this year, residents may be drawn to booking holidays online.

Trading Standards has recently been made aware of several incidents involving Suffolk residents being misled by websites associated with booking holidays abroad and would like to issue a warning to any sun seekers.

The European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides reduced cost medical treatment in Europe, is free via the NHS. However, many unscrupulous websites charge unnecessarily for this service and often appear as paid adverts at the top of search engines. These sites will charge an administrative fee to check applications which can be up to £15 per person.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has taken action against a number of online traders who deceptively sold consumers EHICs. As a result of the OFT’s investigations, three online traders have pledged not to engage in deceptive selling practices with a forth site being suspended.

People purchasing visas to travel outside Europe can also face unnecessary charges. When travelling to the USA for example, it is now essential to apply for an ETSA visa, which normally costs $14 from the US Department of Homeland Security. However, Trading Standards have found sites that offer the ETSA visa for $39 per application, which is an extra $100 for a family of four.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “Due to cold weather, financial worries and post Christmas blues, many people are understandably looking ahead to holidays later in the year.

“We would like to urge people not to get caught out, to do their homework and to check the small print on these websites. If in any doubt, visit the official NHS website or Consumer Direct to find unbiased and accurate information.”

For advice on online scams, contact Consumer Direct by visiting http://www.direct.gov.uk/ or call 08454 040506.

 

Suffolk residents given Microsoft scam warning

Suffolk Trading Standards is warning residents to be extra vigilant following telephone calls from people falsely claiming to be Microsoft computer security engineers.

The cold callers are telling residents they are at risk of a computer security threat and go on to offer free security checks.

If this proves to be successful, the victims help the fraudsters gain remote access to their computers.

This gives them access to personal information held on the computer, including account log-in information and bank details, which can be used to commit fraud.

The scammers add authenticity by claiming to represent legitimate companies and use telephone directories to refer to their victims by name. Victims can also end up being asked to pay for the ‘fixes’ the fraudster has made to their computer.

Trading Standards is offering the following advice to consumers:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company
• Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller
• Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue
• Take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities
• Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software
• Make sure security updates are installed regularly
• Use a strong password and change it regularly
• Make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date

To help reduce the number of unsolicited calls, consumers can register for the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

For further information or to report a call, residents can contact Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Shop owner pleads guilty to underage sales

A Lowestoft shop owner has pleaded guilty to allowing a child to buy cigarettes from his store.

During a test purchase operation by Suffolk Trading Standards in June 2011, an employee of Jasvinder Singh Bains, at Premier Stores in Carlton Colville, sold cigarettes to a young person under the age of 18.

This was the second time in a four month period that the store had been caught selling an age restricted product. The same employee had sold alcohol to an underage volunteer during a similar operation in February 2011.

At Lowestoft Magistrates Court, Mr Bains pleaded guilty to the underage sale of tobacco and was ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling over £600.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “It is imperative that we continue to work closely with local traders to highlight the strict legislation in this area and to challenge young people where necessary.

“Retailers must ensure they are doing all they can to prevent underage sales and fulfil their duties as a responsible trader. Along with the police, community safety teams and traders themselves, we will continue to work together to ensure the safety of young people in the county.”

Trading Standards regularly work with partner agencies to conduct test purchases across Suffolk. Traders are asked to be vigilant and ensure they train their staff regularly, operate a ‘Challenge 25 policy’ and always ask for an approved form of ID. Should traders require any information or an age restricted sales pack they should contact Trading Standards.

Vicki Snelgrove, Tobacco Control Commissioning Advisor at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT said; “We are very pleased to support Trading Standards in their work. Legislation exists to protect our communities from tobacco related harm and in funding this type of operation we are sending out a strong message to the public.”

Anyone with any information regarding the sale of tobacco or alcohol to young people under the age of 18 should contact Consumer Direct anonymously on 08454 040506. Trading Standards will continue to carry out enforcement action as and when necessary.

 

Suffolk bakers launch assault on salt

Bakers across the county have been working closely with Trading Standards officers to cut salt levels in freshly baked bread.

Thirteen bakers in Suffolk have now been issued with Salt Aware certificates following a series of bread sampling by Suffolk Trading Standards.

The certificate demonstrates a commitment to meeting the voluntary salt levels set by the Food Standards Agency for 2012.

During the initial process, Trading Standards carried out a series of sampling stages and ensured that all types of bread produced met the relevant targets.  Forty samples of locally baked bread from 27 bakeries were taken across Suffolk and analysed for salt levels.

In direct response to health-conscious consumers, participating bakers reviewed the salt content in their bread without compromising on quality and the processes used.

Recommended dietary salt levels vary with age – adults are meant to have no more than 6g of salt in their diet per day, while toddlers should have no more than 2g. The results showed variations from 0.3g – 1.9g of salt per 100g of bread, with an average of 1.1g. The FSA salt targets are 1.1g for 2010 and 1.0g for 2012.

The bakeries meeting the voluntary targets by producing bread containing less salt then 1g per 100g of bread are:

• Crofts Bakery,Ipswich
• Finneys Bakery,NeedhamMarket
• Crumbs Bakery, Hadleigh
• Masons Bakery,Lowestoft
• Heli’s Bakery,Lowestoft
• RoysBake House,Lowestoft
• The Bread Basket, Felixstowe
• HurstsBakery, Clare
• Five branches of Bushells Bakeries acrossLowestoft

Kevin Adams, owner of the Bread Basket in Felixstowe said; “I am very grateful to have been asked by Trading Standards to enter into a program of salt reduction in our bread earlier this year. Having worked together over the past few months we are now able to label our bread as low in salt and display an eye catching certificate on our shop floor.

“This enables us to reassure our customers – they can now purchase our bread with the confidence of knowing that we are consciously taking their health into consideration in reducing our salt levels.”

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “We have worked closely with local bakeries to protect consumers who may have been eating too much salt as a result of purchasing fresh loaves of bread sold without nutritional labeling.

“It is really important for consumers to feel safe in the knowledge that their local baker is openly displaying the content of salt in their products. The project has not only improved the county council’s relationship with local businesses, but also reminds consumers that although bread is a good source of nutrients and fibre, it is a large contributor of salt in our diets and we have to be mindful to purchase products with acceptable levels of it.”

 

For more information visit: http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/BusinessAndConsumer/TradingStandards/Reducing+Salt+in+Bread.htm

Bogus children’s charity hits Suffolk streets

Flyers currently in circulation from a company claiming to help disabled children have caused concern among residents in the areas of Beccles, Mildenhall, Brandon, Newmarket and Sudbury.

In recent weeks, Suffolk Trading Standards have received a number of complaints from consumers who are questioning the validity of flyers posted through their doors asking for donated items including clothing, bedding and cosmetics.

The company, who go by the name of ‘Sanita & Partner Limited’, are alleging to be a registered commercial company inEngland. However, all limited companies inEngland,Northern IrelandandScotlandare registered at Companies House, an Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), and ‘Sanita & Partner Limited’ do not appear on their website.

The company’s details also fail to appear on the Charity Commission website, which is in direct breach of the regulations that Trading Standards enforce. The direct website address for the company which features on the flyer itself also does not exist.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “It is important to remain on guard when donating items to charities who put flyers through doors. It is good advice to carry out research to determine exactly where your items will be going before leaving them outside your front door.

“In the current financial climate, it is imperative that customers are given all the information required by law to ensure that they can make an informed decision as to whether to donate or not. The complaints Trading Standards have received in a short period of time is an encouraging indication that people inSuffolkare aware of the existence of bogus companies and are taking the right action by contacting us.”

Residents with any concerns about donating to charities on their doorstep should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Anyone with any further information about Sanita & Partner Limited in particular should contact Suffolk Constabulary immediately on 101.

Make Sure You Know Your Rights This Christmas

The OFT and Suffolk Trading Standards are urging shoppers to know their consumer rights when buying clothes for the Christmas party season or in New Year sales.

Problems with clothes is consistently amongst the top ten complaints received by Consumer Direct, the OFT-managed consumer advice service, and over 20,000 complaints have been received so far this year. January is the peak month for complaints about clothes – this year complaints were around 40% higher than during an average month.

When you buy clothes – even when they are in a sale – your purchase must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If this is not the case, the items are faulty and you are within your legal rights to ask for a repair, replacement or refund. The OFT’s Know Your Consumer Rights campaign advises you to:

• Check the shop’s return policy when buying on the high street. If you simply change your mind, you won’t have any legal right to a refund, however many stores do offer additional opportunities to return as part of their customer service
• Check the clothes you’ve bought before using them. If you do find a fault, don’t wear them and contact the trader as soon as possible
• When buying clothes online you usually have up to seven working days from when your clothes arrive to change your mind and ask for a refund.

 As part of the Know Your Consumer Rights campaign the OFT is working with local Trading Standards services and retailers to make information on consumer rights more readily available. It has also produced a short online film (see below) to inform people about their basic rights when buying clothes.

Michele Shambrook from Consumer Direct said:

‘It is not acceptable for party clothes to fall apart after just a couple of outings, for a waterproof coat to leak or for your new winter boots to be scuffed when you get home, and people have clear rights to a refund, repair or replacement when purchases are faulty.

‘However, people shopping on the high street have no legal right to return an item simply because they have changed their mind. Many stores do offer additional opportunities to return goods, but these refund policies vary from store to store. Businesses need to be upfront about what they offer, but you can do your bit by keeping the receipt and making sure you understand your rights before you return the goods.’

Parents warned over ‘bling’ baby hazards

Suffolk parents are being warned by Trading Standards officers against buying dangerous ‘bling’ baby accessories which pose a serious risk to babies and young children.

The ‘bling’ accessories, including dummies, dummy clips, bottles and feeding bowls, have small parts and are decorated with hand-glued beads and gems which could result in choking, inhalation or ingestion.

As a result of a recent consumer complaint, Suffolk Trading Standards test purchased ‘bling’ baby accessories from various traders in Suffolk and across other parts of the country. All of the items failed the tests and were found to breach serious safety rules.

During the investigation officers were contacted by colleagues from Northumberland Trading Standards who had also received various similar complaints. Both teams are now working together to address the issue and ultimately prevent members of the public from purchasing these hazardous items.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “Baby ‘bling’ accessories are a very dangerous trend. We would like to encourage anyone in possession of one of these items or anyone who knows of a trader selling them locally to contact us immediately.

“It is vitally important that parents and carers check to see that any baby dummies or bottles comply with the appropriate safety standards and regulations. Any adhesive labels or decorations are strictly prohibited from being fixed to these items in any way so any ‘bling’ accessories seen on sale should immediately ring alarm bells.”

Identified sellers inSuffolkhave been contacted and advised accordingly. Investigations will continue into the sources of these products and wherever they are found they will be removed from sale.

Suffolk farmer pleads guilty to ‘losing’ cattle

In a case that could have had lethal consequences for public health, a local farmer has admitted multiple charges of failing to provide records explaining the movement of cattle to and from his farm over the past 10 years. 

Suffolk Trading Standards officers found evidence of almost 100 cows that could not be traced and almost the same number unregistered with authorities.

Mr Eric Moss and ARP Farms Ltd pleaded guilty to all charges at Lowestoft Magistrates Court, with final sentencing set to be carried out at crown court due to the seriousness of the offences.

Senior Fair Trading Officer John Chaplin, who has been leading the case, said:

“It is vital for public safety that farmers register and record the movement of cattle kept on their farms. By failing to do this, Mr Moss has risked public safety, and I am pleased that the courts have recognised the serious nature of these offences by referring the sentencing to crown court.”

The Government introduced strict requirements to register cattle following the outbreak of BSE in the 1990s, when it was found that the public were at risk of contracting the degenerative brain disease CJD if they consumed infected meat. This includes a legal duty to record the movement, births, deaths and lineage of cattle. 

Following an inspection in May 2009 by the Rural Payments Agency, trading standards officers found 93 cattle on Botany Farm, Farnham that were not registered with the British Cattle Movement Service. Officers also found that 94 registered cattle could not be traced and were no longer on the farm.

Despite numerous requests, Mr Moss could not provide records to indicate where these animals had gone or to show the movement, births and deaths of all of his stock over a 10 year period.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said:

“This is a clear case of how important our intervention can be in keeping Suffolk people safe. By failing to provide the crucial records about the number of cattle, and their movement to and from the farm, Mr Moss has committed offences which could have serious consequences to public health. It’s also a successful example of how the different agencies work together, and how important it is to carry out inspections to ensure that anyone keeping cattle follows the rules as set out by Government.”

Suffolk Trading Standards works closely with the Rural Payments Agency and environmental health officers to ensure that British beef can be traced and is safe to eat. Farmers must register cattle for a passport, which identifies each cow’s lineage, and notify the British Cattle Movement Service if they are planning to move an animal to another location.

A date has yet to be set for Mr Moss to attend crown court for final sentencing.

Free festive advice to keep people safe this Christmas

Visitors to Tower Ramparts can get their Christmas off to the best and safest possible start thanks to a new safety shop which is offering free tips and advice to keep people safe over the festive season.

For the first time, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Suffolk Constabulary and Trading Standards are joining forces to provide interactive hands-on demonstrations, including a burnt Christmas tree showing the devastating effects of faulty lights and a mock-up bedroom burglary scene, complete with tips to keep valuables safe, to beat would-be burglars.

The safety shop will be open from Monday 28 November to Saturday 3 December inclusive from 9am to 5.30pm, with a late night opening to 8pm on Thursday 1 December. It is based on the upper level at Tower Ramparts shopping centre, Ipswich, next door to Madhouse and opposite Ipswich Building Society.

No-one wants their present to be a turkey, and Suffolk’s Trading Standards team will be on hand to sort the authentic from the counterfeit gifts, along with plenty of other useful advice. They will be joined by fire crews demonstrating how to keep the home safe and free from fire.

Councillor Colin Spence, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said: “This is a great approach to keep Suffolk people safe over the Christmas and New Year period. We have never before combined the many important safety messages in one place, and this prime location in Ipswich is the perfect opportunity to talk to people about what to look out for this year. Whether it’s about drinking responsibly, or checking the label when buying presents, it’s so important to be aware of the dangers, as well as enjoying the festive season. I hope plenty of shoppers stop for a few minutes to visit the safety shop and find out more. Finally, I would like to thank Tower Ramparts for offering this space free of charge.”

Suffolk police are emphasising the ‘stay safe’ message, urging people to think before they drink so that alcohol does not ruin the Christmas season.

Chief Inspector Paul Bradford from Suffolk Constabulary’s Community Safety team said: “Increased alcohol can reduce inhibitions, often resulting in people putting themselves at risk and making themselves vulnerable. Careless behaviour can also put people at greater risk of being a victim of crime, particularly through excessive consumption of alcohol. We would like party-goers who are enjoying the Christmas celebrations to have fun, but also to be sensible, to know their limits, to not drink excessively, to ensure that friends look out for one another and to get home safely.”

People, young and old alike will also be invited to describe their favourite Christmas memory, with prizes for the winning entries.

The Safety Shop