Minutes:
Mr Robert Vale (Head of Trading Standards) provided an update on the work of Bromley Trading Standards. This was part of a programme of updates and summaries provided for information purposes for the benefit of new members to the Committee.
Mr Vale provided an update concerning the work of LBB against doorstep crime, postal scams, and also internet based scams. The Committee was also updated with respect of work that had been undertaken to prohibit the sale of age restricted products such as tobacco, alcohol and fireworks. An update was also provided concerning the work of adult safeguarding.
It was noted that with respect to doorstep crime, a rapid response service existed. LBB’s work against doorstep crime had been very successful and had resulted in savings totalling £2,000,000.00 since 2002. LBB had also helped to set up “No Cold Calling Zones”. LBB also provided information and advice on prevention. LBB had been partnering with other organisations, and had also produced a booklet on scams. Information concerning doorstep callers and rogue traders could be found on the Bromley Website, the internet link is:
Rogue Traders and Door Step Scams
If a member of the public needed a rapid response to a suspected doorstep scam or rogue trader, then they should call the emergency response number which was 07903 852090. For non-emergency trading standards queries, the number to call was 0300 303 8657. Trading Standards could also be contacted via email at trading.standards@bromley.gov.uk.
Mr. Vale stated that in the past, he felt that more could possibly have been done to safeguard vulnerable adults, especially the elderly and infirm. It was noted that to try and rectify this, LBB Trading Standards were now working closely with LBB Adult Safeguarding, the police and also Age UK. Joint visits were now being conducted with the police. It was acknowledged that this was resource intensive, but it was felt that it was worth it as it helped people “off the radar” that really needed assistance. LBB were operating as part of the National Intelligence Operating Model.
Mr Vale updated the Committee with the work that LBB had been conducting in partnering with banks; this was a work in progress. Trading Standards had conducted visits to various banks to highlight particular danger signs that may indicate that a scam was in progress. This could include elderly people suddenly coming to banks to withdraw large amounts of cash. Banks could call the Trading Standards emergency number if they felt that a scam was taking place, and there would be an emergency response from the council. Promotional posters and other items would also be left with banks to encourage awareness and participation. There were some difficulties in dealing with banks in this regard on occasion as Banks were cautious because of client confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
Councillor Peter Fortune enquired as to the demography of rogue traders and
doorstep scammers. The response was that they were primarily from the “Travelling Community”. Most internet scams originated from overseas.
RESOLVED that the Trading Standards update be noted.