Residents warned to be vigilant against COVID-19 scams

Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service has issued a warning to local residents and businesses to be aware of fraudsters who are trying to exploit fear and uncertainty surrounding … Continue reading →

Coronavirus scam warning

Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards is warning people to be wary of suspicious emails as fraudsters attempt to exploit the spread of coronavirus. Since last month the National Fraud … Continue reading →

Farm shop owner pays the price for ‘misleading’ labelling

The owner of a Somerset farm shop has agreed to change misleading labelling on his products and pay £5,000 in costs following a Trading Standards investigation. Following court appearances at … Continue reading →

Trading Standards introduces Bovine TB information packs for farmers

Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards has launched a new information pack giving farmers all the information they need to help safeguard their herd from Bovine TB. The packs provide … Continue reading →

Devon farmer avoids jail after breaching animal ban

A Devon farmer who was banned from keeping animals has narrowly avoided jail after admitting farming a flock of over 500 sheep. At Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15 January, … Continue reading →

Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards shortlisted for ‘best’ service

Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service has been shortlisted for the 2020 LGC Awards in the ‘Best Service Delivery Model’ category. The award recognises local authorities which have pioneered … Continue reading →

Rogue handyman who defrauded pensioner given two year suspended sentence and told to pay over £13,000

A rogue handyman has been sentenced for fraud after charging a vulnerable pensioner £100,000 for gardening and maintenance work. At Taunton Crown Court on Wednesday 16 October, Thomas Samuel Godfrey, … Continue reading →

“No Cold Callers” scheme launched to combat rural crime and protect South West farmers

Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon’s Trading Standards Service and leading rural insurer NFU Mutual have joined forces to launch a campaign to tackle “cold calling” criminals at farms across the … Continue reading →

Devon supermarkets successful in voluntary ban on energy drinks for under 16s

A voluntary ban on the sale of energy drinks to under 16-year olds in Devon supermarkets has been found to be successful following a recent exercise. The ‘mystery shopper’ exercise … Continue reading →

Newton Abbot Market signs the ‘fake-free’ charter

Newton Abbot Market is committed to fake-free trading and has signed the Real Deal National Markets Charter with Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service. By signing the charter, the … Continue reading →