Agenda item

The update from Trading Standards took the form of a report and PowerPoint presentation given by the Head of Trading Standards and Community Safety, Mr Rob Vale. The presentation focused on Scams and Rogue Traders.

It was the case that many individuals had been victims of mass marketing fraud and doorstep crime, where they had been persuaded by a variety of means to part with money.

This could take the form of being persuaded to part with money on their doorsteps for bogus repairs, or repairs that may be needed, but were grossly overpriced. Others lost money through fake prize draws and lotteries.  It was the case that the national average age of victims was 74. The effects of being defrauded in your own home were severe and included:

·  Loss of confidence

·  More susceptible to repeat crime

·  2.5 times more likely to need care or to die within the next two years

·  Depression

·  Withdrawal from family and friends

This had a negative consequence in terms of additional costs to the financial health sector. It was noted that Bromley had a population of 320,000, with 58,000 of these aged over 65. Mr Vale outlined some real examples of these scams, with comments from the victims and families. It was also noted that these types of incidents were under reported.

Mr Vale informed the Committee that Trading Standards was providing training to various organisations in an attempt to increase awareness of these crimes. Training was given to bank staff, social care workers, volunteers and to the Police. Talks were also given to high risk groups. Examples were highlighted of how Trading Standards had successfully intervened in a number of cases.

The Committee were informed that Trading Standards were working with partners to:

·  IDENTIFY victims of fraud

·  PREVENT victims from further victimisation

·  INVESTIGATE and PROSECUTE the criminals

·  RAISE awareness of the problem in the community and with high risk groups

·  EDUCATE partners as to how they can best work with LBB to protect victims

It was significant that the number of calls to the Bromley Trading Standards emergency response number had increased over the last few years. In 2010 there were 99 calls, and in 2015 there were 246. Similarly, reports to Trading Standards concerning doorstep crimes and scams had also increased—in 2010 there were 556, and in 2015 there were 1116.

It was estimated that the amount of money saved by interventions and disruptions since 2006 was in the region of £2.5m.

Councillor Hannah Gray asked how residents were being affected by telephone scams. Mr Vale answered that LBB had been funding and installing call blocking units to the most vulnerable. Kate Frail from Victim Support suggested that VS volunteers could work with LBB if help with community projects was required. Mr Vale was grateful for this suggestion, and would explore the possibility with Ms Frail in due course. 

Mr Terry Belcher expressed interest in acquiring a call blocking device, and was advised to look at the “True Call” website:

http://www.truecall.co.uk/

Cllr Benington asked if prosecutions were dealt with by the Police. Mr Vale explained that the prosecutions would normally be dealt with by LBB. Cllr Tickner asked where the prosecutions would be dealt with, and if costs were applied for. The Committee were informed that the prosecutions could be dealt with by both the Magistrates’ Court and by the Crown Court. 

Mr Vale advised the Committee that LBB used the services of a financial investigator to investigate the financial affairs of those involved in criminal activity. This was because LBB would endeavour to recover money and assets (including houses) as part of their investigations and interventions. LBB would always apply for a cost order. 

The Portfolio Holder commended the work undertaken by Mr Vale and the Trading Standards Team. She felt that their success should be celebrated, and encouraged their nomination in the “Bromley Stars” programme.

Mr Vale informed the Committee that Bromley was seen by other boroughs as a centre of excellence and best practice. The Chairman drew attention to Table 5 under section 3.19 of the report. The Table outlined the percentage number of test purchases where no sale occurred. It was noted that the figures were worse for the year 2013/14. The Chairman asked why this was the case. Mr Vale responded that the reasons for this were not clear, but he assured that the Trading Standards Team would endeavour to maintain the percentage figures in the high 90’s going forward.

The Chairman expressed appreciation to Mr Vale for his excellent presentation and report, and for all of the hard work being undertaken by the Trading Standards Team.

RESOLVED that:

(1) the Trading Standards update report be noted

(2) Kate Frail and Rob Vale explore the possibility of using Victim Support volunteers to improve the physical aspects of properties of those persons deemed vulnerable to door step scams