8 scams to be aware of this Christmas

We’re urging consumers to be on their guard against scams as the festive shopping period gets underway. Here are eight types of scams prevalent at this time of year – … Continue reading →

Most businesses inspected are following fireworks rules

Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service recently inspected 49 businesses and shops across Devon and Somerset to ensure they were following firework safety regulations – and we found … Continue reading →

Exeter carer who acted as a loan shark is given community order

A 47-year-old woman has been given a 12-month community order with 300 hours of unpaid work after admitting acting as a loan shark in the Exeter area. Renita Mendoza lent … Continue reading →

Don’t fall for a loan shark. They’re not your friend

With energy prices set to rise and people on lower incomes possibly worrying about their finances this winter, Trading Standards is reminding people not to be tempted by ‘loan sharks’. … Continue reading →

Now its getting colder, have you dug out your hot water bottle? Here are a few things to remember…

As the temperature begins to drop, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is advising people to check their hot water bottles and follow safety guidelines before use this … Continue reading →

Taunton business prosecuted after vape sale to under 18

The owner of a corner shop has been ordered to pay £2,326 after an employee sold a disposable vape to a customer who was under 18. It’s the third prosecution … Continue reading →

Traders reminded to ‘ask for ID’ after another shop owner is fined for selling vapes

The owner of a vapes shop has been ordered to pay fines and costs of £3,550 after he admitted selling vapes to a customer under the age of 18. It’s … Continue reading →

Thousands of pounds worth of illicit tobacco seized in Exmouth

Illegal tobacco products and vapes worth more than £10,000 were discovered by detection dogs and seized by Trading Standards officers during an operation in Exmouth, East Devon, last week. It … Continue reading →

Local shopkeepers urged to ‘ask for ID’ after trader is prosecuted

Businesses are being warned that they are putting their livelihoods at risk by not asking for identification when selling age-restricted goods such as vapes, tobacco and alcohol. It follows the … Continue reading →

Spray foam insulation removal scam warning

Trading Standards is warning consumers to be wary of cold callers pressuring them to pay to have spray foam insulation removed – insulation that in many cases was only installed … Continue reading →