An outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry near Gillingham, North Dorset. A small number of chickens died suddenly and so were tested for bird flu. The results confirmed that they had contracted the H5N8 strain of the disease. The small number of remaining birds at the premises… Read More
Trading Standards News
TSSW protects consumers as Government Green Homes Grant launches
As the Government launches the Green Homes Grant today, Trading Standards South West begins a campaign to help protect consumers from the threat of fraud. The Green Homes Grant is an initiative to get homeowners to invest money in improving the energy-efficiency of their property – while also giving the… Read More
New Covid-19 tactics to rip off consumers
Access to future treatments, quick-result testing kits and government support packages are all areas that criminals are likely to exploit in the coming months, according to new intelligence published by National Trading Standards (NTS). The annual NTS Consumer Harm Report reveals how criminals are adapting to changing consumer and business… Read More
“Fantastic result” as over £60,000 illegal tobacco seized in Swindon swoop
Swindon Trading Standards and Wiltshire Police have been praised for delivering “a fantastic result” says the South West’s Illegal Tobacco officer. Ben Hayes, who has been in the regional post for the last three years, praised the work of officers that saw the seizure of over £60,000 on tobacco from… Read More
Faulty and unsafe cars for sale across the South West
A trading standards investigation into second-hand car sales across the South West has uncovered traders selling faulty and unsafe used cars that could cause an accident or lead to high repair costs. Of the 129 vehicles being sold that were assessed as part of the investigation, one in every three… Read More
Scam Awareness Week launch warns of the Coronavirus-scammer
Test and Trace number spoofing, fake holiday refund scams and illegal money lending are among a raft of scams targeting South West residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unscrupulous criminals exploiting fears and uncertainty during the pandemic has led to an increase in scams. New research by Citizens… Read More