UPDATES: Five shops across Devon and Torbay have been forced to close for three months after repeatedly selling illegal tobacco and vapes. Despite prior warnings, officers uncovered hidden stashes - some using specialist detection dogs - prompting court-ordered closures and a stark warning to rogue retailers that illegal sales will not be tolerated ...

UPDATES: CTSI is urging urgent regulation of the booming cosmetic IV drip sector after a Channel 4 investigation exposed widespread safety failings. Unsupervised glutathione drips are being offered in salons and online, with users suffering serious health risks. Trading Standards is calling for a licensing scheme and stricter oversight to protect consumers from this unregulated “wild west” of beauty treatments ...

UPDATES: A builder who took up to £160,000 from homeowners and abandoned jobs mid-project has been jailed for 12 months following a Trading Standards investigation. John Arnold left properties unsafe, supplied false certificates, and caused significant stress to victims - earning a decade-long director ban and sending a stark warning to rogue tradespeople exploiting local residents ...

ANALYSIS: Local authorities are on the frontline of fighting fraud – but they’re increasingly under cyber-attack themselves. From ransomware and data breaches to AI-powered deepfakes, the threats are growing fast. Why are councils such attractive targets, and what can Trading Standards teams do to protect themselves, their data and the public they serve? ...

ANALYSIS: What began as a routine illicit tobacco check exploded into one of Wales’ biggest organised crime cases. Operation Usk exposed a £3.8m fraud network hidden behind everyday shops - and led to threats, intimidation and years of relentless investigation. This is the inside story of how Trading Standards helped take down a criminal empire, at huge personal cost ...

ANALYSIS: Scam calls and emails feel routine - but behind many of them lies a brutal reality. This article reveals how global fraud is powered by human trafficking, forced labour and violence inside scam centres, and why governments and agencies are now racing to dismantle the criminal networks exploiting victims on both sides of the screen ...

UPDATES: The final day of CTSI’s 2025 Conference in Blackpool wrapped up with energy, inspiration, and forward-looking discussions. Day Three highlighted the profession’s evolving role, from inclusivity and leadership to tackling complex consumer protection challenges. Awards, plenaries, and masterclasses showcased how Trading Standards is shaping the future - empowering officers, protecting communities, and preparing the next generation of practitioners ...

UPDATES: Day Two of CTSI’s 2025 Conference in Blackpool explored the cutting edge of Trading Standards, from AI’s risks and rewards for consumer protection to the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures. Delegates debated, learned, and celebrated new recruits at graduation ceremonies, before winding down with the annual Awards Dinner and after-party, blending insight, networking, and a dash of glamour ...

UPDATES: Day One of CTSI’s 2025 Conference in Blackpool set the tone for an ambitious three days, with packed plenaries exploring inclusion, consumer detriment and emerging challenges facing Trading Standards. From dynamic pricing and unsafe products to disability awareness and new legislation, the opening day showcased the profession’s breadth, passion and determination to protect consumers and support fair trading ...

ANALYSIS: Hundreds of young people packed the 2025 REACH Society Careers Conference - and Trading Standards took centre stage. From inspiring role models to new apprenticeship opportunities, this article explores how the profession is reaching diverse new talent, opening doors and showing the next generation how they can build careers that truly make a difference ...