Consumer Watch Devon County Council Trading Standards Service wants to recruit more volunteer Consumer Watchdogs who will look out for rip-off traders in their community.

The Consumer Watch Scheme was launched in July 2000 and was the first initiative of its kind in the UK. It contributed to the County Council receiving the National Beacon Council Award in 2001 and now has 75 active members.

Volunteer 'Watchdogs', who receive basic training in consumer law, keep a look out in their local community for rip-off traders such as bogus door to door salesmen, illegal one day sales operators and tarmac gangs. The 'Watchdogs' have a direct line to Trading Standards Officers who can then take action.

Watchdogs also give their views on the development of service planning and delivery, helping the Trading Standards Service to be even more responsive to local need. It is hoped eventually that there will be at least one Watchdog for every Parish/Community in Devon.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, a Member of Devon County Council's Executive Committee comments: "Our 'Watchdogs' play a key role in our links with local communities. They give us early warning of the fraudsters and conmen that sometimes prey on the vulnerable members of our society. They also provide us with a potential link to members of the community who may otherwise not be able to benefit from the services that we provide. Their informed input helps us shape the Trading Standards Service in Devon and enables us to ensure that the Service reflects local concerns and aspirations."

Our 'Watchdog' magazine is a regular publication and follows the progress of the scheme. View our early editions.