Rogue handyman admits defrauding elderly lady over ‘years’

A rogue handyman has pleaded guilty to fraud after charging a vulnerable pensioner £100,000 for gardening and maintenance work. At Taunton Crown Court on Monday 16 September, Thomas Samuel Godfrey, … Continue reading →

Don’t become a victim – training resource is launched to safeguard young people from scams

A free training resource, designed to help safeguard children and young people from scams, has been launched by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards today. Young Friends Against Scams has … Continue reading →

South Hams farmer banned from keeping animals

An Ugborough farmer has been banned from keeping animals after pleading guilty to animal welfare offences. William Luscombe, 61, of Stone Farm, Ugborough, South Hams, was sentenced on Tuesday 3 … Continue reading →

Warning after retailers sell knives to teens without asking for ID

Traders are being reminded by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service that they are playing a lottery with their livelihoods by not asking for ID when selling age-restricted goods … Continue reading →

Teignbridge farmer banned from keeping animals

A Buckfastleigh farmer has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years following a prosecution brought by Devon, Somerset & Torbay Trading Standards Service (DSTTSS). Graham Mabin, 36, of Market … Continue reading →

Multi-agency investigation into trading of endangered species

Thirty macaque skulls were seized from a property in South Devon following a search by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police, supported by partners including trading standards. On Tuesday 13 … Continue reading →

Trading standards warns of blind cord danger to toddlers

Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service is reminding parents of the dangers blind cords can pose to children under five. The warning follows the recent tragic death of two-year-old … Continue reading →

Bideford builder sentenced for fraud

A North Devon builder and handy-man has been told to carry out 200 hours of community work and pay £1,000 after being sentenced for fraud at Barnstaple Magistrates Court.   … Continue reading →

Devon and Somerset restaurants “meating expectations”

Residents and visitors to the Westcountry can be assured that restaurants and gastro-pubs are accurately describing the geographical provenance of their locally sourced meats. Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards … Continue reading →

Majority of Exeter retailers visited comply with under 18s knife sale laws

Issued on behalf of the Exeter Community Safety Partnership, Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service and Devon and Cornwall Police. Shops and retailers in Exeter were visited by police … Continue reading →