Joint Operation to Net Illegal Traders

Enforcement agencies came together this week to combat itinerant traders and businesses using illegal activities to take advantage of West Yorkshire consumers.

Officers from West Yorkshire Trading Standards, West Yorkshire Police, Vehicle Inspectorate and Customs and Excise joined forces in a three-day operation in the Keighley and Bingley area to send a strong message to anybody trading illegally.

The operation focused on three main areas, which are considered of greatest concern to West Yorkshire residents. Monday focused on second hand car dealers, Tuesday on combating rogue traders who travel into West Yorkshire to sell their goods and services whilst Wednesday concentrated on the sale of fireworks to children and the sale of banned fireworks.

Monday 20th October: Forecourt inspections were carried out at garages in the area to check that vehicles on sale to the public are safe and fit to be on sale.

Whilst the majority of traders showed they offer a good and honest service to consumers, officers found 6 unroadworthy cars up for sale. The biggest issue was vehicles with illegal tyres and other issues of concern were dangerous corrosion, inadequate steering and exhausts. These vehicles are now prohibited from sale and investigations will continue against the sellers.

In addition a stolen vehicle was seized and several Trade Description offences were identified such as vehicles being described as having one previous owner when investigations showed they actually had two. One trader was found to be selling a vehicle in which the odometer had been replaced to seem as though it had done fewer miles than it actually had. Offences under the Trade Descriptions Act potentially carry a substantial fine and a possible prison sentence.

Tuesday 21st October: Road checks were put in place on the A629 Aire Valley Trunk Road and 161 vehicles were stopped and inspected. This location was chosen because it is a busy route into West Yorkshire.

A variety of problems were found. One stolen vehicle was seized by Police officers and Customs and Excise identified vans running on “red diesel”, a term for fuel on which no Excise Duty has been paid. Several vehicles were prohibited by the vehicle inspectorate for road traffic offences.

Trading Standards caught two individuals wearing uniforms worn by Council contractors. They were driving a van containing tarmac and building materials but were not official council workers. Similarly British Gas contractor signs were seized from a person claiming to be working for British Gas but who was not an official employee.

Another van stopped contained 12 items of unsafe furniture that was likely to have been going on sale in the area. The furniture was seized.

Further enquiries into the above are continuing.

Wednesday 22nd October: Trading Standards and Police officers made joint visits to retailers in the area selling fireworks. Advice and warnings were given in relation to the sale of fireworks to minors.

25 retailers were visited and illegal fireworks were seized from some shops. A complaint was also investigated concerning an allegation that a private residence was selling fireworks.

It is pleasing to note that the majority of retailers were complying with the law and welcomed the visit.

Martin Wood, Chief Officer West Yorkshire Joint Services, said, “I am extremely pleased to be taking such a coordinated approach. We will not tolerate itinerant traders and their criminal activities and I hope this operation sends this message to them.”

Cllr Graham Clarke, Chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services added, “I am delighted at the success of the three day operation. Individuals wearing bogus uniforms and carrying bogus signs causes me great concern and I am delighted that this operation was able to stop this happening in this instance and I hope that this good work will continue”

Cllr Malcolm Slater Deputy Chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services and member for Keighley North said, “it is vital that a clear message gets across to traders that illegal trading activity will not be tolerated in West Yorkshire. This operation has been a great success and shows what can be achieved when partners work together”

Sgt Paul Robinson, of Keighley Police, said: “Officers from the problem oriented policing team, stolen vehicle squad and police community support officers took part in this operation. It was a worthwhile and productive exercise and is an excellent example of different agencies working together to protect consumers."

For further information please contact:

Carol Hallett, General Media Contact 0113 383 6407
Paul Smith, Principal Officer 0113 289 8219 (about Monday/Tuesday)
Tony Downham, Principal Officer 0113 289 8247 (about Wednesday)

Notes to Editors:

1) Due to the amount of work done on each day only a brief overview is provided. More detailed information on each day is available.
2) Pictures show: Paul Smith from Trading Standards and Cllr Malcolm Slater with the seized furniture. Other photos show officers inspecting vehicles on the A629.