Latest news with #SuffolkTradingStandards
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
'First-of-its-kind' closure for Stowmarket illegal vapes shop
A "first-of-its-kind" closure has been imposed on a shop after it was caught trying to conceal illegal vapes and tobacco products during multiple enforcement Convenience was shut down after Mid Suffolk District Council and Suffolk Trading Standards were granted permission to enforce a three-month closure Stowmarket store was searched in late 2023, on three occasions in 2024, and again at the start of this year, with hundreds of illegal goods being seized."We are very, very pleased and happy with the result because this [closure] is the first of its kind and another enforcement tool in our armoury," said James Garrett, senior officer from Suffolk Trading Standards. "This is a clear deterrent and will impact this business in terms of their profits and send out a warning - neighbouring businesses will see the impact if there is repeated flouting of the law." Graham Crisp, head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said the local government department would now look to obtain closure orders more regularly."The sale of illegal tobacco and vapes puts the public at risk and damages community trust," he said."We will be seeking to use this powerful enforcement mechanism much more in the future to tackle and prevent the sales of illegal tobacco and vapes."Initial action started in November 2023, when officers seized illegal tobacco hidden under the counter during an inspection of the then newly opened further inspections during 2024, supported by Suffolk Police and using tobacco detection dogs, revealed hidden concealments used to hide illegal total, 134 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, 463 packets of illegal cigarettes, and 458 illegal vapes were found and a tenancy change, further test purchase operations in late 2024 and early 2025 confirmed Star Convenience was still selling illegal tobacco. 'Sends a clear message' Andy Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said he was "delighted" with the result of the operation's "zero-tolerance approach".Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public protection, meanwhile, said it sent a "clear message" that illegal activity would not be tolerated."These items are not only harmful to residents' health, but they also undermine legitimate local businesses and fund organised crime," he added. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
How to avoid falling for Ed Sheeran ticket scams
Ed Sheeran fans desperate to secure tickets for his upcoming concerts in Suffolk should be wary of social media scammers selling "fraudulent" tickets, a watchdog has of gig-goers will be scrambling to secure general sale tickets for the singer's shows at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 11, 12 and 13 Trading Standards has urged fans to avoid being hoodwinked into buying fake tickets, after some were sold on social media immediately after Wednesday's pre-sale.A BBC investigation has since found at least seven scammers promising to transfer tickets, but how did these scammers operate? Scammers tell of 'work clashes' The first batch of tickets went on sale at 10:00 BST on Wednesday for fans who had pre-ordered Sheeran's new album, Play, or signed up for free via his Town season ticket holders were offered an exclusive sale on Thursday, before the general sale on Friday. During the official sales, there has been a strict ticket limit of six per the BBC found within an hour of the first sale, at least seven social media profiles were advertising tickets they claimed were no longer seller said they had a "work clash", while another claimed their "plans had shifted".It came despite Ticketmaster stating tickets could not be transferred for Sheeran's shows. 'You are safe with me here' To test if the sellers were legitimate, the BBC used a pseudonym to create a profile on X, contacted each seller and expressed an interest in their prices on offer ranged from the face value £95 to £190 for one asked to send proof of the tickets, each seller sent the same screenshot purporting to be a purchase confirmation email. We quizzed one of the accounts on how this could have happened, and they said: "There's a lot of people that would have screenshots of my tickets that I posted earlier."They stole my screenshot and are using that to take people's money."Each seller also told us they would be using Ticketmaster's transfer scheme, despite it not being available. They each said they would send the tickets upon receiving payment, with one seller providing their bank details."It's instant and irreversible. You only need to refresh after it's done," one insisted: "You should not be worried about getting scammed. "You are safe with me here. You got nothing to worry about."However, the events' promoters, Kilimanjaro Live and Communion One, told us: "Transferability is currently not switched on, so it is not possible for the person attempting to sell you the tickets to transfer you tickets immediately after payment."None of the sellers accepted our request to speak over the phone or on video call, with one saying their voice was "real bad right now".They each blocked our account after being told they were speaking to a reporter, with some deleting their earlier posts advertising tickets. What is Ed Sheeran's ticket policy? According to Sheeran's official ticket policy, e-tickets for the shows will not officially be sent out until nearer to the time of the also forbids any reselling that is not through official face value resale platforms."This function will be turned on a few weeks after the initial sale, once we're happy the tickets have been purchased by actual fans," it policy warns those with tickets purchased through unofficial means will see the holder refused entry."We are working to report all breaches of these acts as well as reporting any illegally advertised tickets," it says.A spokesperson for Kilimanjaro Live and Communion One added: "There are many scammers, some even using bots, who may be attempting to encourage people to part with their money for tickets that may not even exist.'We have a requirement for all members of a party to enter with the lead booker who must provide proof of identity."They said people should only purchase tickets from official vendors listed on Sheeran's website. What do the authorities say? Sasha Watson, from Suffolk Trading Standards, said she expected "to see a huge number of scams" related to Sheeran's July concerts. "Straight after the pre-sale tickets going on sale we saw people attempting to sell 'extra' tickets or tickets they can no longer use, but these are fraudulent," she Watson warned fans to never buy tickets on social media."People are very passionate about getting these tickets because they really want to go, so are often blinded by that," she added. Like Kilimanjaro Live and Communion One, Ticketmaster also confirmed its ticket transfer scheme was not available."So this scammer is lying," a spokesperson added."We would always recommend fans only ever buy tickets from official sources and avoid buying from individuals on social media to protect themselves from ticketing scams." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Unsafe 3D-printed dinosaurs seized at port
A shipment of 100 3D-printed dinosaurs will be destroyed after being deemed dangerous. The toys were detained at the Port of Felixstowe by the imports team at Suffolk Trading Standards. Tests found a bone that came with the dinosaurs was too small and posed a choking risk to toddlers. The dinosaurs, as well as their labelling and packaging, were also missing the importer's name and address, product identification information and required safety warnings. According to Trading Standards, the sale listings for the product, imported from China, featured images of children believed to be under three. Officers feared this "could misrepresent the intended age of the user and influence the decision to purchase the toy". The listings have since been removed and the goods will be destroyed. Suffolk Trading Standards said: "If you have purchased a product that you think may be unsafe, stop using it immediately and report it. "If buying on an online marketplace such as Amazon or eBay, make sure you check the details of the seller and that they have a UK address. "Check the reviews for the product to see what others have said, and remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Thousands of consumer items refused entry at port Thousands of illegal cigarettes found in manhole Nearly 300 fire risk heaters seized and destroyed Suffolk Trading Standards
