Walsall Trading Standards Savvy Shopper

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

We’re issuing a renewed warning to people across the West Midlands about courier fraud as criminals continue to use increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics to financially exploit victims.

New national figures released by the City of London Police show that reports increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at over £15 thousand.

We received 70 reports of courier fraud across the region over the last year, with the amount stolen from victims as result totalling just over £577,619.

Courier fraud occurs when criminals contact people under false pretences – commonly impersonating police officers or bank officials – and after gaining their trust, convince them to hand over money or other high value items. Fraudsters often target older people, with those aged over 70 making up the majority of victims.

Matt Dyer from our Economic Crime Unit said:

“Couriers fraud is about exploitation and manipulation. Criminals often single out older people who tend to be very trusting of the police and other institutions like banks. They ruthlessly take advantage of that trust for their own monetary gain with absolutely no regard for the financial harm and emotional distress they cause their victims.

“Fraudsters also use messaging platforms like WhatsApp and well as official courier services to facilitate collections. We’re working hard to counter these new and evolving techniques, but we also need to spread the word about courier fraud so that people know what is, can spot the signs and are able prevent it from happening to them.

“We’ll be out and about across the region this week providing advice to people about protecting themselves against courier fraud and other scams.”

Theft of jewellery and gold is increasingly becoming a feature with victims being persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier.

This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible.

For advice on how to spot courier fraud and how to protect yourself please visit: https://orlo.uk/TBZ53

You can also watch this video we produced: https://orlo.uk/NniGR

If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: https://orlo.uk/Oqde0

12/06/2026

Walsall trading standards & St Mathews police seize illegal squishy toys from Walsall shops

12/06/2026

Safety warning ⚠️ Some popular squishy toys may not meet UK standards⚠️

Food shaped squishy sensory toys – often designed to look like items such as
donuts or dumplings – are trending online, driven by viral videos and collectible designs.

Trading Standards activity in the UK has identified some products that may not meet basic safety requirements.

Concerns reported include:
⚠️Strong chemical smells
⚠️Missing safety labelling and supplier details
⚠️Skin irritation or nausea
⚠️Choking risk if damaged
⚠️Burns if heated

Some imitation versions have also been found not to meet UK toy safety standards.

Products that are very cheap, have a strong chemical smell, or lack clear labelling may present a higher risk.

For consumers
UKCA/CE marking and clear supplier details can help identify safer products.

For businesses
Products should meet UK safety requirements before being sold and be sourced from reputable suppliers.

Report concerns via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133

11/06/2026

Trading Standards officers carried out inspections of retailers this week assisted by Team 3 .
Counterfeit Red Bull found, along with food past its 'Use By' date - some expired 3 months ago!
'Use By' -illegal to sell past the date
'Best Before' can be sold if still good quality.
Premises cannot be named at this point for legal reasons

02/06/2026

CTSI welcomes the Home Office's latest announcement of a new £30m High Street organised crime unit, as well as new funding for Trading Standards to fight against organised crime on UK high streets.

This signals the start of a targeted multi-agency response in tackling the vast and complex criminal networks on our high streets. Alongside partners, CTSI's campaigning on serious and organised crime on UK high streets has put the issue, and profession, firmly on the national agenda. Developed with ACG, the "Hidden in Plain Sight" report highlighted the challenges faced by enforcement agencies, and suggested a ten-point plan to reclaim our high streets.

To build on current momentum, we are bringing together experts from across partner agencies like the NCA and Home Office to explore the scale of the threat, and consider the response needed. At Conference, we will explore criminal activity, from the sale of illegal vapes, to***co, and counterfeit goods, to illegal money lending and wider consumer harm.

Now is the time to register for Conference: https://ow.ly/flEZ50Z2leZ

29/05/2026

Seller of cider to a 16 year old bags himself & his company a fine & costs totalling £6263. Bagi Convenience Store, Bentley sold a four pack of cider to the child on a trading standards test purchasing exercise without checking ID, despite being advised on underage sales shortly before the exercise. Full story - https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/walsall-convenience-store-fined-after-selling-alcohol-16-year-old

28/05/2026

We don't play around when it comes to the safety of Walsall residents - young or old. Thanks to the suspicions of our officers, a large number of hazardous toys have been removed from sale in the town. More details -
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/toys-seized-walsall-traders-test-positive-hazardous-chemicals

27/05/2026

After successful operations in recent weeks, today Walsall Trading Standards along with Team 2 of seized almost 4500 illegal ci******es and over 2kg of hand rolling to***co from a town centre shop. Police also seized a large amount of cash under proceeds of crime legislation. Work is now ongoing to close the shop, and at this point we cannot name the shop for legal reasons.

22/05/2026

Walsall Trading standards officers with police from Pleck undertook Operation . An underage volunteer attempted to buy knives. 5 of 7 shops refused to sell, big 👏to them. Not so good for the one that sold a set of knives or the one that sold a kitchen knife no questions asked 😡Investigations underway so we can't name the stores yet for legal reasons.