Public Protection - Kent

31/08/2026

⚠️ If you witness an acid attack, call 999 immediately.

The quicker emergency services respond, the greater the chance of recovery ⬇️

Acid attacks happen fast and cause devastating harm. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

☎️ Report suspicious behaviour to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 — you’ll stay 100% anonymous, always.

📣 Share to help keep your community safe.

28/08/2026

Kent Trading Standards has welcomed new government measures aimed at tackling doorstep criminals and improving protection for consumers having home improvement work carried out.

While the vast majority of builders and tradespeople are honest professionals, a small minority continue to cause significant financial and emotional harm through poor workmanship and deceptive practices.

Clive Phillips, Operations Manager at Kent County Council Trading Standards, said:

"Measures that help people identify reputable traders and protect their payments are positive steps forward. However, strong enforcement remains essential, and we will continue to work with partners to investigate offenders, support victims and take action against those who profit through deception and poor practice."

Before agreeing to any work, always do your research and use trusted schemes such as Trading Standards Checked.

➡️Read the full story: https://loom.ly/pNxOEp4

Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133

A database of trusted tradespeople and a system to protect customers' money is being launched by the government next month.

28/08/2026

⚠️ Kent County Council's Assistive Technology has received reports that some residents across Kent are being targeted by scam callers claiming to represent Lifeline services.

These callers are reportedly encouraging Lifeline users to switch providers and are requesting bank details over the telephone to arrange payment for a supposed digital equipment upgrade. In some cases, residents have been told that failure to make payment could result in their Lifeline service being terminated.

🚨 This is a scam!
🚨 Do not give out any personal or financial information to these callers.

Kent County Council Assistive Technology Team will never call to ask for payment details for existing Kent County Council funded lifeline users.

If you receive a suspicious call, please hang up immediately and report it to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
If you have received a call and provided your bank details, please contact your bank immediately.

Please share this message with friends and family who use Kent County Council’s Lifeline service and help further prevent this.

28/08/2026

Did you know every Trading Standards Checked trader undergoes a comprehensive 50-point vetting process?

Our checks go beyond reviews and recommendations.

We look at areas such as:

✅ consumer complaints
✅ business history
✅ insurance
✅ qualifications and accreditations
✅ credit and legal checks.

These thorough checks help residents find traders they can trust.

Find a safe, local trader today: tschecked.kent.gov.uk

27/08/2026

🚨 Thinking of buying a park home to live in permanently? Check before you commit.

Kent Trading Standards is urging anyone considering buying a park home or holiday home to check exactly what they're purchasing.

Some buyers have discovered too late that their property could not legally be used as their permanent home.

Before buying, check:
✔️ The site licence and planning permission
✔️ Whether you can live there all year round
✔️ Pitch fees and extra charges
✔️ Site rules
✔️ The fit and proper person register
✔️ Independent legal advice

More information from AgeUK: https://loom.ly/auwoNuQ

📞 For advice or to report concerns, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

27/08/2026

⚠️ Many corrosive products are age-restricted. If you witness a retailer selling strong chemicals to someone clearly under 18, report it.

Retail compliance protects everyone. We’re working with retailers to restrict access to corrosive substances – but we need your help too ⬇️

☎️ Report suspicious behaviour to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You'll stay 100% anonymous, always.
🚨If you feel threatened dial 999 to contact the police.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/GHjZpgo

📣Please share this message with your community.

26/08/2026

⚠️ Tesco recalls Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad because of possible contamination with E. coli (STEC).

🔴 Product details:
Pack size: 215g
Use by: 25, 26, 27 August 2026

✅Advice for consumers
If you have bought the product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to any Tesco store for a full refund.

➡️More information: https://loom.ly/BFQ_EsA

26/08/2026

⚠️ – Doorstep criminals active! We’ve had reports of criminals in Ashford, Tonbridge, Margate and Chatham offering home improvement and repair services, taking deposits or payments upfront, then failing to complete the agreed work.

🚫 Do NOT engage with cold callers. Legitimate traders don’t turn up uninvited.

📞 If someone comes to your door or you see suspicious people going door to door, report it:
➡️ CrimeStoppers (100% anonymous): 0800 555 111 or https://loom.ly/es89zdQ
➡️ If they refuse to leave or act aggressively, call 999.
➡️ For advice: Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133

✅ Need work done? Use a safe local traders from KCC Trading Standards Checked: https://loom.ly/CAsm6xA

📣 Please warn vulnerable friends, neighbours and family.

26/08/2026

🌞🤝 Building stronger communities through local partnerships

Community engagement was at the heart of Singleton Lake Community Day, where KCC Community Warden Richard Sinden joined residents, volunteers and local organisations for a fantastic day by the lake.

The event provided a great opportunity to showcase the work of the Community Warden Service while connecting with organisations that help make a real difference in the local community, including the RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust, Victoria Park Volunteers and the Kentish Stour Project. 🌿🦋

It was also a chance for residents to meet and speak with partners including Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent Police, Neighbourhood Watch and Ashford Angling Society. 🚒🚓

Events like these help bring people together, strengthen community connections and highlight the many opportunities available for residents to get involved, volunteer and support their local area. 💙

Find your nearest warden https://loom.ly/qTDIApk

🌞🤝🌿💙

25/08/2026