Proceeds of crime: Following Wayne Parker's sentence of 5 years imprisonment in September 2023, a Financial Investigation was carried out by Suffolk Trading Standards, under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Parker's finances were examined and a calculation of his financial criminal benefit from his criminality was calculated. The total criminal benefit figure was calculated at £981,551.58, this included losses of over £500,000 for those witnesses who supported the fraud prosecution. Based on the financial investigations only £230.70 of assets were identified as being held by Parker. A court hearing was held at Ipswich Crown Court and a Confiscation Order was granted by the court, this included Parker being ordered to pay £230.70. The remaining criminal benefit figure balance will always remain outstanding, and the Proceeds of Crime Act allows us to review such cases. This means, that should Wayne Parker come into money or assets in the future, they can be removed from him, throughout his lifetime, to pay back the criminal benefit figure. Details of Wayne Parker's September 2023 sentencing can be found here: www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/council-news/fraudster-farmer-who-went-on-the-run-sentenced-to-five-years
Doorstep callers: We’ve had reports that doorstep callers known as "Nottingham Knockers" or "duster sellers" are calling at properties in and around Glemsford and Long Melford today (7th March 2024). They may still be in the area, or could have moved on elsewhere in the County. These individuals are claiming to have been in prison and are on a youth offending scheme, attempting to mend their ways. The individuals go on to then try and sell the householder everyday household products at very high prices. Trading Standards always advise residents to refrain from buying at the doorstep and not to buckle to pressure from salespeople offering supposedly one-off ‘buy it now’ low prices. The individuals work in groups across the country pretending to be working on behalf of a charity, to support their family, or that they are ex-offenders working as part of a rehabilitation scheme. Many do not possess Pedlar’s Certificates, which are issued by police. If you are approached at the door, please refuse to buy. Report all doorstep callers to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. If you would like to receive a FREE No Cold Calling sticker for your door, please email us with your address on trading.standards@suffolk.gov.uk or apply for a No Cold Calling Zone here: www.suffolk.gov.uk/community-and-safety/suffolk-trading-standards/fair-trading/no-cold-calling-zones
Underage sales: Yesterday (6th March 2024) we carried out an underage sales operation and we are happy to report that none of the premises sold to our underage volunteers. We visited 6 premises in Felixstowe and Ipswich with our 16-year-old volunteers, who attempted to purchase both alcohol and disposable vapes. If you have any information on age restricted products being sold to minors, please report it to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Scam emails: Beware of emails with offers to win Tupperware sets. The links in the email lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information. Forward scam emails to the National Cyber Security Centre on report@phishing.gov.uk. Since 29th October 2023, 10,164 reports of phishing emails relating to recipients being able to win free Tupperware sets have been made to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS). Almost half (4,954) of these reports were between 15th –29th January. The emails claim the recipient could receive a free “36 Piece Tupperware Set” with the email body saying, “Answer & Win” or “You’ve been chosen!” with instructions for a short survey to be completed to win the prize. The email also shows a photo of a Tupperware set along with a logo of either Asda, John Lewis or Costco etc. The use of well-known and trusted brand logos attempts to add a layer of authenticity to the scam. It is believed that once the survey link is clicked it will lead to either a request for financial/personal details or will download malicious malware.
Food allergies: The Food Standards Agency launched a campaign this week to support people with certain allergies. The campaign encourages consumers to check the labels on vegan and plant-based foods to ensure it is safe for them to eat. Vegan food is not always safe for people with allergies to milk, egg, fish, or shellfish as there’s still a chance of cross-contamination. Consumers with these allergies should not take the risk and should read the label to make sure the food they choose is safe to eat. Find out more: www.food.gov.uk/vegan-food
Recall: AB World Foods is recalling Patak’s Aubergine Pickle because it may contain pieces of glass. The possible presence of glass makes this product unsafe to eat. The affected product has only been sold in Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.
Pack size: 312g
Batch code: 3172
Best before: June 2026
If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. For more information contact AB World Foods customer care team on 0800 0195 617 or consumer.services@abworldfoods.com