Trading Standards Awareness Week sees underage knife sales, doorstep crime and tyre safety discussed in Barking and Dagenham

A campaign to raise awareness of business and consumer rights is taking place in Barking and Dagenham.

In the last 18 months Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards officers have conducted 130 test purchases for knives using young volunteers, of which, 11 sold to underage customers. Picture: LBBD - Credit: Archant

Trading Standards Awareness Week teaches residents and businesses about avoiding scams, complying with building regulations and meeting safety standards.

The campaign began on Monday and will last for five days. Monday’s theme was car safety, making sure residents ensured their car was safe to drive and had met tyre safety standards.

Tuesday saw doorstep crime and scams discussed, while Wednesday was about buying used cars. Thursday covers housing issues and letting agents, while the final day will focus on protecting young people, and banning the sale of knives and alcohol to children.

Councillor Margaret Mullane, cabinet member for community safety, said: “There are a number of issues that affect our residents on a daily basis and it is crucial that schemes like this are highlighted so consumers and businesses are given every piece of information to ensure they are protected.

Monday's theme was tyre safety, with 18 businesses in the borough having been visited as part of the London-wide tyre project. Picture: LBBD - Credit: Archant

“Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards Team have taken major efforts to catch out individuals and businesses who are not playing by the rules.”