As the weather starts to improve, our officers remain vigilant on the look out for doorstep traders who seek to take advantage of those concerned about the state of their homes.

14/15 was a busy year for the Service and our project work in relation to Scams and their impact on victims culminated in a highly successful Scam Conference involving our partners, you can read all about it here

In addition to our project work, investigation of complaints and intelligence received from you has resulted in a number of successful prosecutions. This took place where advice and guidance was deemed not to have managed the situation, or where the criminality of the allegation was significant. As well as the articles profiled below, you can also check out our Prosecutions Page.

Read on to find out about a scam everyone should be talking about, a new number for the Somerset County Council contact centre, and information for Businesses on the changing laws in relation to the sale and display of tobacco products.

Man found guilty under Animal Welfare Act
A Teignbridge man has been found guilty of offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after failing to improve the squalid conditions he kept his ponies and dogs in, despite several warnings and advice from Devon and Somerset Trading Standards, the Police, the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. You can find out more about our investigation and the outcome here

You get all excited when you are sent, or find online, an advert which offers you a product for free. Try before you buy sounds good doesn't it? Unfortunately, as many consumers find out, the lure of a "free" product can come with small print which in fact ties you in to paying a monthly fee via your bank. Find out more, including our top tips, by reading our free trial scams page

New Rules concerning the Display and Sale of Tobacco
From 6 April 2015 all shops selling tobacco products will have to comply with strict requirements relating to the manner in which tobacco products are displayed and sold. In particular, it is an offence to display tobacco products unless a specific request to purchase tobacco has been made to you by a person over the age of 18. Businesses wishing to know more about how they can comply with the rules can find full guidance here

Somerset County Council contacts have changed!
If you need to get in touch with Somerset County Council, you can now telephone one number for all enquiries, including Business Advice from Trading Standards. The new number, 0300 123 2224 replaces 10 separate numbers covering the Council's various services and aims to offer a more streamlined experience for service users