West Yorkshire Trading Standards

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from West Yorkshire Trading Standards, Government Organization, Leeds.

We work with consumers to prevent them from becoming victims, with businesses to help them comply with good practice and with partners to put funds back into communities.

Slavery is illegal in every country in the world. However, slavery experts estimate there could be more than 100,000 peo...
17/06/2026

Slavery is illegal in every country in the world. However, slavery experts estimate there could be more than 100,000 people trapped in modern slavery in the UK alone.

Modern slavery can affect people of any gender, age, ethnicity or nationality. Those vulnerable to exploitation can include people in poverty, lacking education, from a troubled home, or from countries affected by war, political instability or climate change.

Victims are lured into slavery through false promises or threats. They may be kept in slavery through fear, language barriers, or simply not knowing where to turn for help.

Organised crime gangs with links to modern slavery and human trafficking are selling illegal to***co products in shops across West Yorkshire. Buying cheap ‘under the counter’ ci******es helps finance exploitation, as well as affecting your own health.

Don’t put up with it in your community!

To anonymously report underage sales, or sales of illegal to***co and va**ng products, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133.

💨 Support to quit: yestoquit.co.uk

For more details about information sessions for your education setting, community group or workplace, contact the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Illicit To***co Education Officer: to***[email protected]

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Criminals operate in disguise behind a key board pretending to be someone they are not 🎭They target individuals online, ...
16/06/2026

Criminals operate in disguise behind a key board pretending to be someone they are not 🎭
They target individuals online, via common social media or gaming platforms, looking for victims to exploit.

Always be cautious when a stranger online suddenly becomes quite persistent with messaging and contact.

Romance fraud can happen to anyone, its helpful to be aware of the possible signs to help yourself or someone you know.

💌 Criminals will often give an interesting back story, for example pretending to be an individual working for the military, or based overseas or even a celebrity, making face to face contact difficult but with plausible reasons

💌 Criminals will message frequently and try to build up a rapport or relationship

💌 Criminals will say kind things, be complimentary and give reasons to keep in touch

💌 Criminals will ask for small contributions to support their circumstances, whether that's a gift card or a financial transfer of money - they may say they are facing high legal bills or need to pay for medical care. Criminals will lie.

If you are concerned about romance fraud, and you think that you may have been targeted - stop the conversation. Report to your bank and log the details with Report Fraud. You call via 0300 123 2040 or complete an online form.
Block the individual and tell someone you trust about what has happened.

You can also contact the West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation & Abuse Team, part of for safeguarding support and advice. Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133 and ask for WYFEAT support.


Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15/06/2026 🌍A campaign hosted by the United Nations - "Elder abuse remains wide...
15/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15/06/2026 🌍

A campaign hosted by the United Nations -
"Elder abuse remains widely under-recognized and under-reported. It can take many forms, including physical, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. It often occurs in situations where individuals lack visibility, support, or access to services. Addressing this issue requires more than raising awareness.
It calls for stronger systems that can prevent abuse and respond effectively when it happens, while respecting the dignity, independence, and rights of older persons."

The West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation & Abuse Team work towards emphasising the importance in early recognition of potential financial abuse. Being aware of the typical signs and how to support an adult at risk is crucial to supporting and safeguarding them from further harm.

The team offer a free training session to professionals across West Yorkshire.

More information can be found on our website 💻

If you have concerns that an elderly or vulnerable adult is at risk of financial abuse, you can report to us via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline via 0808 223 1133.

The West Yorkshire Trading Standards Public Health Team conducted inspections in Leeds on 8 June 2026, targeting the sal...
12/06/2026

The West Yorkshire Trading Standards Public Health Team conducted inspections in Leeds on 8 June 2026, targeting the sale and supply of illegal ci******es, hand-rolling to***co, v**es, and other illicit products.

This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of multiple agencies working together to tackle illegal activity, protect public health, and support legitimate businesses across West Yorkshire.

During the operation, officers seized around 1,106 packets of 20 ci******es, 195 packs of 50g hand-rolling to***co, 38 illegal v**es, and a range of other illegal items.

The estimated genuine retail value of the seized goods is approximately £28,000.00

Tackling the supply of illegal to***co and va**ng products remains a key priority. These products are often sold at significantly reduced prices and without appropriate age-verification checks. Those involved in their sale are unlikely to consider who they are selling to, increasing the risk of these products being accessed by children and young people.

If you have information about a business near you selling illegal goods, you can report to West Yorkshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

💡 Ready to quit 🚬? Support is free and available at: yestoquit.co.uk

For details about information sessions for your education setting, community group or workplace, contact the Illicit To***co Education Officer: to***[email protected]

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📅 Today is Button Battery Awareness Day, and we are encouraging all parents and carers to be aware of the dangers these ...
12/06/2026

📅 Today is Button Battery Awareness Day, and we are encouraging all parents and carers to be aware of the dangers these items pose to babies and children.

Button batteries are small, coin-shaped lithium batteries that are found in lots of every day items such as remote controls, car key fobs, battery powered toys, games and lights.

❌ These batteries can cause catastrophic damage if swallowed, and are a serious health risk.

To avoid a medical emergency, have a quick look around your house to check for any risky battery items.

➡ Regularly inspect battery compartment covers on items around your home - are they tightly screwed and fully secure?
➡ Always keep spare batteries locked and secure, out of reach from children.
➡ Always double check new toys or gadgets before giving to a child.

If you suspect a battery may have been swallowed, do not delay in seeking emergency medical assistance. Act fast, and do not let your child eat or drink anything or make the child be sick. Go straight to A&E.

Office for Product Safety and Standards

On 9th June 2026, Catherine BARNINGHAM of Pollington, East Yorkshire was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment suspended for...
09/06/2026

On 9th June 2026, Catherine BARNINGHAM of Pollington, East Yorkshire was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment suspended for 3 years, and 300 hours of unpaid work at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to financially abusing her own mother.

BARNINGHAM previously pleaded guilty on 22nd April 2026, to Fraud by Abuse of Position and money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, following an investigation carried out by West Yorkshire Financial Exploitation Abuse Team, part of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, conducted on behalf of Wakefield Council’s Adult Social Care team. She had defrauded her mother of £115,130.00 by abusing her position as her Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

The offending period spanned over 6 years, during which the victim’s money was used to purchase the defendant’s house, purchase holidays, gambling websites, phone contracts taken out in the victim’s name and a general spending spree.

In sentencing Barningham, His Honour Judge Mairs said, ‘You had systematically abused the trust placed in you by your mother. As soon as the lasting power of attorney was registered, you began to steal money. The most cruel and most telling of your character was how you treated your mother. You were deliberately cruel for pennies, depriving your own mother of the crisps that she liked, because you said that they were too expensive. You only renounced the power of attorney when the game was up.’

Rachel Bowes, Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director for Adults and Health, said: ‘We have a vital role in protecting adults at risk, including safeguarding them from financial abuse. In this case, concerns raised by our teams led to a detailed investigation, uncovering a sustained and serious breach of trust. Working with partners we will ensure those who exploit that trust are held fully accountable.’

Visit our website for the full story

West Yorkshire Trading Standards are supporting Child Safety Week 2026 this week 🧸The theme this year is 'Making Prevent...
03/06/2026

West Yorkshire Trading Standards are supporting Child Safety Week 2026 this week 🧸

The theme this year is 'Making Prevention Possible'.

When choosing a toy for a child, buy from reputable retailers who don't cut corners.

Toys that contain cords, ribbons or ropes are a strangulation risk as these can become entangled or wrapped around a child’s neck during play, leading to injury or even death.

Toys which contain small parts that can detach or are small enough to be swallowed. These parts can block a young child's airway, causing choking, suffocation, or requiring emergency surgery.

What to look out for -

🚼 Cords or loops / strings attached to toys intended for children under 18 months must not exceed 220mm in length. For toys intended for children aged 18 months to 36 months, the length must be 300mm or less. (there are some exceptions i.e. pull along toys)

🧸 Detachable parts. Eyes/noses on teddy bears, wheels on toy vehicles or decorative items which break off easily.

🧲 Magnetic or Battery Items: Toys with weak or missing battery covers allowing easy access to button batteries /magnets, which can be fatal if swallowed.

If you do have concerns about a toy that might be unsafe, here's what to do -

Stop. Immediately stop children from playing with the toy
Return. Return it to the retailer and report the safety concern
Report. Report to Trading Standards: Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

West Yorkshire Trading Standards are supporting Child Safety Week 2026 this week 🧸The theme this year is 'Making Prevent...
01/06/2026

West Yorkshire Trading Standards are supporting Child Safety Week 2026 this week 🧸

The theme this year is 'Making Prevention Possible'.

When choosing a toy for a child, buy from reputable retailers who don't cut corners.

Be wary of purchasing online especially if there is no UK base for the manufacturer or retailer as the toy may not comply with British Safety law.

Ensure the toy carries a UK Name and address for the manufacturer or importer. It should be permanently attached to the toy unless the toy is too small or cannot be marked due to its nature, the information must be on its packaging or on an accompanying document.

👀 Look for the Mark - Ensure the toy has the CE or UKCA mark. Do not buy a toy that do not display a UKCA or CE mark.

🔎 Inspect: Look for loose stitching, small detached parts, or unsecured battery compartments before giving it to a child.

🔞 Adhere to Age Warnings. Never give a child a toy intended for older children. Toys for children under 36 months face stricter requirements, as they are less able to avoid hazards. “Not suitable for children under 36 months," which often indicates small parts.

If you have concerns about a toy that might be unsafe -

Stop: Immediately stop children from playing with the toy
Return it to the retailer and report the safety concern
Report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

West Yorkshire Trading Standards are supporting World No To***co Day 2026 🌍According to the World Health Organisation WH...
31/05/2026

West Yorkshire Trading Standards are supporting World No To***co Day 2026 🌍

According to the World Health Organisation WHO, at least 40 million children aged 13–15 globally report current use of at least one to***co product.

Of these, 20 million smoke ci******es and 10 million use smokeless (oral/nasal) to***co.

At least 15 million adolescents aged 13–15 years are already using e-ci******es, and in countries with data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to v**e.

While we are concerned mainly with stopping the trade of illegal to***co, we know that ALL smoking is extremely damaging to a person’s health.

You can report concerns about a business selling to***co products including v**es to children via the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. If you have any information about illegal to***co sales, we want to know about it.

For more details about our FREE information sessions for your education setting, community group or workplace, to help raise awareness around the dangers of illegal to***co contact our Illicit To***co Education Officer via email at - to***[email protected]

💨 Ready to Quit? Visit yestoquit.co.uk to get the ball rolling to become smoke free 🚭

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WY Joint Services

FREE webinar from West Yorkshire Trading Standards 🚭Multiple dates and sessions 📅Scan the QR code to register your plac...
28/05/2026

FREE webinar from West Yorkshire Trading Standards 🚭
Multiple dates and sessions 📅

Scan the QR code to register your place!

Find out what you need to know about the dangerous trade of illegal to***co and v**es in West Yorkshire.

Organised criminal gangs are peddling dangerous illegal ni****ne products from high street shops across West Yorkshire and beyond.

This webinar, aimed at anyone working with communities in West Yorkshire, will cover:

• Up-to-date facts, research and statistics about va**ng and smoking;
• Information on other, 'up-and-coming' ni****ne products;
• How to recognise illegal to***co and v**es;
• The potential contents and health risks of illicit v**es;
• The links to organised criminality and associated safeguarding risks;
• Details of work being done by West Yorkshire Trading Standards and partners;
• What you can do to help;
• Details of further resources and support

The session will be delivered by Kerry Holmes, Illicit To***co Education Officer for West Yorkshire Trading Standards.

All registered participants will receive a Teams link before the event and a digital resource pack afterwards.

WY Joint Services ***co **ngawareness

Address

Leeds
LS277JQ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 12pm - 3pm
Sunday 8am - 10pm

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