As the countdown to Christmas begins, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is reminding shoppers to stay vigilant when buying toys for children this festive season. With rising costs and the lure of bargain deals online, parents and carers may be tempted to opt for cheaper options—but these …
Significance of Gold: Religion and Tradition
A recent trade deal signed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signals the removal of tariffs on jewellery imported into the UK from India. Will Evans, Director of the London Assay office, says: “As trade in gold jewellery between the UK and India …
‘Tis the season to be cautious!
As Black Friday and the Christmas season approaches, we’re warning people to be aware of scams. Phishing emails are on the rise as cyber criminals exploit the flood of promotional emails and online shopping traffic, to make their scams look legitimate. Their goal is to blend in, to trick you …
Exeter shop shut down after repeated attempts to flee with illegal tobacco
Trading standards and police have closed yet another business for selling illegal tobacco – despite repeated warnings and dramatic attempts to escape with contraband. On Wednesday, 26 November, District Judge Smith at Exeter Magistrates’ Court granted a three-month closure order on The Mini Market, 156 Cowick Street, Exeter. The order …
Fraudster jailed for conning people out of more than £2m using fake government websites
A fraudster from Saltford near Bristol who generated more than £2m by tricking tens of thousands of people into paying for fake government websites has been jailed. Thomas William Gall, 42, was handed a two-year and three months prison sentence at Bristol Crown Court on 31 October 2025 after pleading …
Operation Machinize 2: Thousands of businesses targeted in coordinated crackdown on high street crime
Thousands of premises have been targeted in the second iteration of Operation Machinize, a national initiative targeting the criminal exploitation of high street businesses. Operation Machinize 2, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and conducted in cooperation with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), ran throughout October and involved …