Issue - meetings

Richard Strawson from Kent Trading Standards, will give a presentation on the work they do and how they use campaigns to find out the extent of a problem or how to target known problems. Richard will talk about specific initiatives to combat Doorstep scammers and underage alcohol sales in the Dartford East area.

Richard Strawson (Area Manager) Kent Trading Standards gave a presentation of which a copy is attached.

The presentation drew attention to some of the work done by Trading Standards, namely:

• Investigation of fraudulent dealers/traders
• Consumer detriments (Loan Sharks)
• Crime and Disorder – prevention of purchases made by underage children such as alcohol, substances, tobacco
• Animal Health
• Licensing of chemicals, explosives etc.
• Doorstep Crime
• Raid Response to rogue traders if on premises to intervene
• Strong victim support services, i.e Social Services, Help the Aged

Examples were also given examples of how some rogue traders operate and scam people, the elderly were mainly targeted, whereby they convinced their victims to part with sums of money by going into their banks and drawing cash for them.  Trading Standards have visited all the banks in the Dartford area and requested that they highlight people drawing large amounts of cash, ask questions and if in doubt, contact Trading Standards.

Trading Standards also offer advice and support to retailers regarding sales of alcohol to underage persons. 

Richard mentioned the “Loan Shark Hotline” which is available and informed all present of the availability of the Credit Union who may assist people who cannot obtain loans from the bank or building society.