Dodgy traders in Wandsworth have forked out more than £70,000 in fines and court costs over the last three years following prosecution by trading standards officers.
The council's Trading Standards Department has successfully prosecuted 40 traders since 1998 for offences such as breaking the Trades Description Act and selling faulty goods.
Recent cases include a Tooting travel agent who was fined after customers spent hundreds of pounds on air tickets they did not receive, and a Battersea car dealer prosecuted for selling a clocked vehicle.
The figures are part of Wandsworth's Crime and Disorder Audit, showing crimes and clear-up rates in the borough.
Cabinet member for the environment and public services, Councillor Guy Senior, said: "We will not tolerate anyone deliberately conning our residents out of their hard earned cash and officers will not hesitate to bring prosecutions where appropriate.
"We would urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim to contact our trading standards officers. We can only take action if we know about these cons."
December 5, 2001 17:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article