Taking action to protect our neighbourhoods

Council enforcement officers were out in force alongside the police during Operation Avro in Bury.

Staff from a number of operational departments took part in the day’s events – which included the seizure of illegal goods worth £70,000.

Trading standards spoke to 44 traders and advised on various legislation, particularly customers’ cancellation rights.

Licensing officers carried out 67 taxi checks, with 20 being reported for breaches of conditions.

Officers from the neighbourhoods enforcement team spoke to the drivers of 20 vehicles that were identified as carrying or likely to transport commercial waste. Of those, seven were unable to provide the necessary waste carriers’ licence. Further investigation will now be undertaken which could lead to fixed penalty notices.

The teams also visited nine premises, accompanied by a tobacco sniffer dog. They seized counterfeit goods worth £70,000 including 2,800 illicit cigarettes, 322 phone cases, 30 sets of headphones, and even 180 pairs of socks! The council is not able to name the persons/businesses involved in the enforcement action due to ongoing criminal investigations. This is essential so as not prejudice future legal proceedings against the persons/businesses responsible.

Seven off-licences were visited, and three were reported for breaches of licensing conditions.

Meanwhile, officers also took part in the Radcliffe Community Day, helping the public and Radcliffe Litter Pickers to clean up the area. They also advised residents how to report incidents of fly-tipping and other environmental crimes.

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “Our teams have done a really good job, working with the police and our partners to keep our borough safe. Some traders simply need advice and information, but those who sell illegal and counterfeit goods cause harm to the public and to legitimate local businesses, and their ill-gotten gains are often used to fund crime. We will continue to take action against these people in the interests of our community.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 9 June 2022.