Supporting over 1,350 scam victims and saving consumers over £42.5m are amongst the achievements of Trading Standards services across the country.

Busting scams, taking counterfeit goods off the streets, supporting businesses and ensuring good animal welfare makes up their work.

Last year in Staffordshire, the county council's Trading Standards service helped take £6.6m worth of unsafe goods off the streets, seized over 100,000 illicit cigarettes, 16kg of illicit tobacco and 19 litres of illicit alcohol.

In addition, the service also dealt with over 500 scams and signposted 893 scam victims for support.

Sixteen victims of attempted doorstep crime were supported and five rogue traders were prosecuted.

The service's Animal Health team also intervened at 79 businesses found to be in breach of animal health and welfare legislation.

Talking about the team's work, Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: "The work of our trading standards team delivers huge value – from saving consumers millions of pounds to supporting some extremely vulnerable victims.

"Much of the work goes under the radar but things like taking illegal and dangerous counterfeit goods off the streets remains a priority for the team.

"Not only can such products be harmful and leave people out of pocket but the fake goods market also helps support organised crime.

"Identifying scams, raising awareness on how people can protect themselves from them, plus supporting victims also makes up a large part of what the team does.

"As well as the usual scams, teams have also been dealing with those relating to the Covid-19 pandemic as criminals try to exploit the crisis.

"Much of the work of the team does require the help of local communities who can be the ears on the ground, so anyone interested in helping raise awareness of scams in their local community should contact the team."

In other areas of work, 1,415 traders were supported with advice, with a further 298 new businesses receiving guidance on trading regulations.

Four food businesses were advised about allergy awareness and rules.

People can find out more about Trading Standards and their work on the county council's website.