Volunteers become consumer agents

Trading standards have seized counterfeit goods

Trading standards officers in Devon are clamping down on rip-off traders by recruiting people to act as consumer watchdogs.

In the first scheme of its kind in the country, volunteers are being given special training to act as "undercover agents".

As well as being on the lookout for conmen, the recruits are also looking for any mislabelled goods or dangerous toys in ordinary shops.

About 75 people have been recruited to act as watchdogs for the department.

Recruits are looking for any problems in shops

Car boot sales are another favourite haunt for rogue traders which the watchdogs will be keeping an eye on.

Counterfeit CDs, clothing, perfumes and computer games have been seized by trading standards officials at the sales.

Watchdog Celia Hyland said: "It's all part of when you're out and about, looking around, seeing things that are perhaps illegal, etc. Honest traders have nothing to fear."

Peter Greene of Devon Trading Standards said: "This is a way of adding value to the service by having individuals, hopefully in every community and every parish in Devon, to have a line back to trading standards when things aren't as they should be."

The scheme is hoping to attract 200 more volunteers.