Yesterday, Bradley Lockey, previously of London Road South, Lowestoft, but now of Clockhouse Way, Braintree, pleaded guilty to the sale of counterfeit goods.
Suffolk Trading Standards picked up the case in 2018, after Lockey was identified as being behind a website called Smith’s Labels.
Test purchases were made and all found to be counterfeit.
A lock up store was identified in Lowestoft linked to him. When contacted to attend the lock up he claimed to be abroad, however, phone evidence later showed he was in Lowestoft. The store was sealed by the owners of the site so entry could not be made. That night it was broken into. Counterfeit goods were found left in the unit, these included Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry handbags, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry belts, and MAC lipsticks.
The container appeared to be set up for the making up of parcels, with postage sacks, sellotape and a packing area.
An entry warrant was executed on Lockey’s home address where a small amount of counterfeit goods were also seized.
Financial investigations have found around £400,000 income to Smith’s Labels / Lockey over a 4 year period, although Lockey disputes this.
Lockey was invited by letter to attend a voluntary PACE interview, which he did not attend, despite reminders.
Appearing at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 23, the 32-year-old admitted six charges related to the possession and sale of products with a false trademark. Sentencing will take place on 14th July 2021.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council said “This is a great result for our Trading Standards team and it demonstrates that unlawful trading will not be tolerated in Suffolk.
“I would urge people not to buy counterfeit goods and only use reputable traders. It may be tempting to buy what appear to be authentic items at a low price, but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“If you have information about the sale of counterfeit items, you can report it to Trading Standards, anonymously if preferred, by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133."
There are reports of residents receiving scam calls from an individual claiming to be from NHS Verification.
The caller asks the recipient if they have received their Covid-19 vaccination, and whether they had any side effects. The caller also asks if the recipient has taken any rapid lateral flow or PCR tests.
They then proceed to ask if the recipient has life insurance and how much they pay.
These calls are not from the NHS!
If you receive a similar call, HANG UP, and do not provide the caller with any details.
Report all scam calls to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
We have information that suggests rogue traders may be in the County attempting to sell generators and power tools.
We are aware of one incident that we are investigating, that involved the traders approaching a gentleman in Beccles. The victim was parking near a cashpoint to withdraw money for his weekly shop, pulling up behind a white van. A man from the van approached him and was forceful in his nature, wanting him to buy some generators, a chainsaw, toolbox and a knife set. He refused.
His car was then blocked in by another vehicle (a black car) and the driver approached him to insist he purchase the items. Feeling very intimidated, the victim withdrew £300. While at the cashpoint the individuals were loading the equipment into his car, and when he returned he gave them the cash.
If you are approached, or an individual calls at your door, please do not engage with them.
Report rogue traders to us via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Scam emails have been sent impersonating the NHS in which they invite you to apply for a Covid vaccine passport - this is a scam!
One email had the subject title “We are happy to introduce Digital Coronavirus Passports” . The contents of the email can be read in the attached photograph.
Clicking on the “Get Digital Passport” link takes you to a convincing but fake NHS website that asks for personal and payment details. (For a “process fee”). The website has since been taken down.
Remember, your vaccination status is obtained FREE through the NHS App, NHS website or via phoning the NHS on 119.
Our Import Surveillance Officers have detained 79 unsafe mini chainsaws at the Port of Felixstowe.
The chainsaws do not have any safety interlocks as required by the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. Safety interlocks lock the trigger mechanism in the off state, to prevent it inadvertently being turned on and posing a hazard of cutting.
The chainsaws were supplied with an instruction manual. However, the manual contained grammatical and spelling errors, and was missing safety warnings related to kickback and skating, plus others.
The product was missing the required manufacturer name and address, the electrical rating and the data plate.
Between January 2020 and May 2021 there have been 511 cases of Salmonellosis in the UK caused by two strains of Salmonella Enteritidis and linked to consumption of frozen, raw, breaded chicken products.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have published a survey of consumer practices relating to coated frozen chicken products.
Findings show that almost half the adults (46%) who cook coated frozen chicken products do not always check cooking instructions on packaging before cooking.
The survey also included questions on the storage and handling of these products pre and post-cooking:
Almost two thirds of those who cook these products (62%) say uncooked coated frozen chicken products at least sometimes come into contact with other surfaces such as worktops and plates
Over half of those who cook these products (58%) say they always wash their hands after handling coated frozen chicken products
Almost a quarter of consumers who personally cook products say they defrost them before cooking (23%), 62% say they do not. Among those who defrost products, half say they leave them at room temperature (53%)
Food safety tips for frozen breaded chicken products:
Treat these products as raw chicken, ensuring they are steaming hot after cooking and surfaces they have touched are cleaned to avoid the spread of bacteria
Make sure the oven is up to temperature before cooking
Check the instructions on packaging and cook at the correct temperature and for the time stated
Wash your hands, utensils and clean surfaces after handling these products
If products require defrosting, follow the storage instructions on packaging and always defrost in the fridge
Wilko are supporting an investigation by the food and veterinary authorities into a possible safety issue affecting cats.
Whilst there is no evidence their products have been affected they are voluntarily recalling a selection of wilko branded dry products as a precautionary measure.
For now, we recommend that you do not feed them to your cat. If you have bought any of these products please return them to store for a full refund.
