CTSI Conference 2016 - Hero Awards In this feature scams fraud illegal money lenders CONFERENCE 2016 &villains Heroes Throughout the four-day Conference, CTSI celebrated 12 heroic champions for their selfless work to make their communities a safer place to live Tina Stewart John Bell Helen and James Mallon Michael King Christine Heemskerk, chair of CTSI Council, presents Tina Stewart with her CTSI Hero Award Keith Philpott/ BATH Helen Benson Jackie Brambles Staffs police Lin Griffin Jim Jones Dudley Trading Standards Alfie/Wagtail Tina Stewart, from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, has been recognised for her efforts to champion disadvantaged and vulnerable consumers despite battling a debilitating and life-long disability of her own. The 47-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, was presented with a CTSI Hero Award after winning back several thousand pounds for other people from utility companies, retailers and mobility goods providers. In addition, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of scams in a doorstep-crime black spot, and identied an elderly dementia sufferer who was being targeted with mail and phone scams. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: Hearing how Tina has championed the cause of others, despite her own difculties, is an inspirational lesson for us all. Chris Holden, the senior ofcer at Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards who made the nomination, said: Tina has epitomised the services aim to create champions within our diverse communities and carry the mantle of informed, disadvantaged consumers. Im overjoyed to see her tremendous efforts recognised. Stewart said she was shocked to win, adding: Everything Ive achieved in life has been a struggle and Ive had to work hard. When youre a wheelchair user, you see things from both sides. You cant be afraid to ask for help its all a learning curve. Click images above to read more Credits Images: Sam Atkins To share this page, in the toolbar click on You might also like Holding out for a hero August 2015 Brian Davies collects the CTSI Hero award from Christine Heemskerk, chair of CTSI Council, on behalf of John Bell Pensioner John Bell has been recognised for his bravery with a CTSI Hero Award after he gave evidence against the conmen who tricked him into signing over his 250,000 home. The 78-year-old was the victim of a gang from the travelling community, members of which had convictions for violence, yet he still found the courage to give evidence. CTSI chief executive Leon Livermore said: These heartless criminals convinced Mr Bell that he needed major repairs and that the only way of paying for the work was to gift his house to them. Following a campaign of manipulation, Mr Bell was driven by one of the gang to a solicitor to sign his house over and then taken to a caravan site and told to stay there for insurance reasons. We believe there may have been other victims, but only Mr Bell was brave enough to take the stand and make sure it could not happen to anyone else. Bell was nominated for the award by Bromley Trading Standards after he was cold-called by the gang at his south London home. His evidence led to the conviction of one defendant during the three-week trial. The judge said he will not pass sentence until Bells house has been legally returned. Brian Davies, senior consumer protection inspector at Bromley, said: Once Mr Bell became aware of the true situation he was in, his cooperation was invaluable. He was able to persuasively articulate his evidence, in remarkable detail, over a period of two days, including under cross-examination by a barrister. To his credit, he kept his cool under pressure. Christine Heemskerk, chair of CTSI Council, presents Helen and James Mallon with their awards James Mallon, a GP, and Helen Mallon, a retired teacher, were praised for helping to warn others about the dangers of scams after they found themselves on a so-called suckers list and lost thousands. To mark their efforts, they were presented with a CTSI Hero Award at Conference in June. The couple, from Banbridge, County Down, in Northern Ireland, had fallen victim to postal scams, and Dr Mallon lost 25,000 to a telephone investment scam. Despite this, they found the courage to tell their story and, as a result, several more people have come forward and reported that they have been victims too. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: When we think about scam victims, we often picture an elderly or vulnerable person, but its important to remember that this is not always the case. Scams can be incredibly sophisticated and anyone can fall victim. The Mallons came to the attention of trading standards in Northern Ireland which nominated them for the award after suspecting they may be on a suckers list. The lists are compiled and shared by criminals, and allow them to target individuals who might have responded to similar tactics in the past, thereby making them more vulnerable. Christine Heemskerk, chair of CTSI Council, presents Michael King with his well-deserved CTSI Hero Award Banking specialist Michael King has been presented with a CTSI Hero Award after he saved a vulnerable couple who had been scammed repeatedly from losing 1m in life savings. King, from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) investment fraud team, succeeded in convincing the couple who were in their mid-80s, and from Devon that they were being scammed again after two other banks had already forced them to close their account. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: All too often, scam victims dont realise they are being scammed until its too late and the criminals have bled them dry. Their previous two banks tried to help, but when they wouldnt listen to reason their accounts were closed and the cycle just continued. Thankfully, Michael took a different approach and enlisted the support of the victims local trading standards team, to make sure the message got through. King, part of the Edinburgh-based RBS nancial crime intelligence and investigations unit, was alerted after the couple transferred tens of thousands of pounds to suspected fraudsters. It transpired they had previously lost 30,000 and fallen victim to other types of fraud. Concerns were also raised about seemingly overly expensive direct debits, which RBS was able to assist with. The victims later conded that they suspected their money was going to criminals, but they continued to make payments to maintain good family relationships. Rob Quinlan, the trading standards ofcer who nominated King for the award, said: The couples two previous banks asked that they leave, rather than facilitate the fraudulent transactions but, thankfully, RBS has a more robust approach. Les Matheson, chief executive ofcer of personal and business banking, NatWest which has sponsored Consumer Day congratulated King on his award. Christine Heemskerk, chair of CTSI Council, presents Keith Philpott with a CTSI Hero Award for Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans (BATH) are the proud holders of a CTSI Hero Award after they teamed up with the police to warn people about the dangers of borrowing money from illegal lenders. Working with Durham Police, the youth drama group created a six-part show that recounted the stories of families that needed money, and brought to life how easy it is to become indebted to criminals. The group of six- to 19-year-olds also set up a school bank to encourage pupils to save regularly and understand the importance of good money-management habits. Leon Livermore, chief executive of CTSI, said: Loan sharks prey on the most vulnerable members of society, and these young performers have done a great job of highlighting the criminals tactics. Keith Philpott, a tactical adviser with Durham Constabularys organised crime team, worked with BATH on the project: We know that illegal moneylending is a big problem in certain parts of our communities, he said. Loan sharks prey on vulnerable people and we have seen cases where interest rates have been as high as 131,000 per cent APR, which can cripple the borrower because they cannot afford to repay the debt, which builds up over time. The BATH group have done a fantastic job bringing our warning messages to life in their show, and I am extremely proud that they have been honoured with this award. Helen Benson is the proud owner of a CTSI Hero Award, presented by Christine Heemskerk, chair of CTSI Council Charity worker Helen Benson, who helped a farmer regain control of his life after he faced animal welfare charges for neglecting his livestock, has been honoured with a CTSI Certicate of Commendation in the institutes annual Hero Awards. Benson is a coordinator for the Yorkshire branch of a farming charity. She worked with North Yorkshire Trading Standards and the local farming community to nd a solution that avoided prosecution and improved the welfare of the farmer and his ock of sheep. She attended safeguarding meetings and engaged with the local community to nd the best possible support for the farmer, who was facing a second investigation for animal by-product offences and animal welfare offences. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: It is easy to forget trading standards play such a crucial role in protecting the welfare of animals across the UK, but it is important to remember that others help too. It was because of Helens intervention in this case that the animals were kept safe and the appropriate support was given ultimately protecting consumers. Benson said: I am incredibly honoured to receive this commendation on behalf of our team in Yorkshire and the local farming community. I hope this has made people realise that support is always on hand for farmers, and our team will do its utmost to protect consumers. CTSI chief executive Leon Livermore, and chair of CTSI Council, Christine Heemskerk, present Jackie Brambles award to Malcolm Craig, of CTSI Scottish Branch Television presenter Jackie Brambles became the proud recipient of a CTSI Hero Award for her work in educating consumers about the detrimental effects of scams, and for uncovering the real-life stories of nancial scam victims. The 49-year-old, who presents STVs Stopping Scotlands Scammers, encouraged victims to share their stories and delved into some of the biggest cons that affect people in their everyday lives. During the three-part series, Brambles investigated the world of nancial crime and demonstrated the extent of the issue through reconstructions of victim accounts and special expert advice. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: Protecting people from falling foul of scammers is a key priority for trading standards teams up and down the country, and this programme has alerted audiences about how to avoid their dodgy tactics. Adam Gaunt, vice-chair of the Scottish branch of CTSI, made the nomination, and said: Not all victims t the stereotype of who we would expect to be scammed, like vulnerable sections of society. It is important that people are aware of the common tactics that scammers use, and the bravery of victims coming forward and sharing their stories in such a public way has been instrumental in raising awareness. Broadcast journalist Matt Allwright, and chair of CTSI Council, Christine Heemskerk (right), present a Certificate of Commendation to Lin Griffin Age UKs Lin Grifn collected a Certicate of Commendation from CTSI for her work in helping more than 80 elderly and vulnerable people, who had appeared on a suckers list, from becoming repeatedly targeted by scammers. Working on a project with North Somerset Trading Standards, Grifn met with each person from the community who was named on the suckers list and worked tirelessly to build their trust, and to restore their condence and self-worth. In addition, she discovered the husband of an elderly scam victim was responding to a mail marketing scam and had subsequently lost 20,000 of their life savings. Grifn was instrumental in getting the couples life back to normal. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: Lin has gone above and beyond what is expected of her, reinstating peoples faith in the community and protecting individuals from falling into a trap that so many scam victims often nd themselves in. Grifn described the work she had done alongside North Somerset Trading Standards as greatly satisfying, adding: I visit victims at home, sometimes over several months. I nd them new interests to help them regain their self-condence, and refer them on to various agencies as required. I also give talks to various groups to make people aware of the numerous scams out there, and to let them know it is not gullibility or stupidity on the part of the person who has been scammed, but the plausibility and sophistication of the scams being perpetrated on the elderly and isolated. Helen Heskins, the trading standards ofcer at North Somerset who made the nomination, said: Lin was a great nd. She took the subject of scams, applied her own knowledge, sharpened her elbows and got fantastic results for our residents. Broadcast journalist Matt Allwright, and chair of CTSI Council, Christine Heemskerk (right), present a Certificate of Commendation to Staffordshire Police Staffordshire Polices rural and wildlife crime unit came away from CTSI Conference with a Certicate of Commendation for its work in prosecuting a business that put animal by-products back into the food chain, and a pet crematorium manager who failed to return ashes. The unit was nominated after supporting several Staffordshire County Council prosecutions a statutory duty, requiring all trading standards teams to safeguard animal health and welfare. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: Trading standards plays a vital role in safeguarding our food chain and preventing the outbreak of diseases, but they cannot do it alone. It is heartbreaking to think that animals can be treated so appallingly, but it is because of units like Staffordshire that the health and wellbeing of animals is a priority, and consumers are protected. The unit was nominated by Staffordshire County Council after the police had supported the local authority on a number of animal health and welfare investigations. In particular, they assisted with a complex investigation into a pet crematorium owner, who stored animals in a domestic chest freezer and failed to return pets ashes to their owners. The man admitted ve charges of fraud and four animal by-product offences. He was ordered to pay 7,000 and was given a 12-month community order, with 200 hours of unpaid work. Staffordshire Polices rural and wildlife crime unit also set up a group of voluntary bodies, charities and agencies, which applied an intelligence-led approach to investigations in rural communities. Jim Jones accepts his Hero Award from CTSI president, Christine Crawley Community stalwart Jim Jones, who has campaigned tirelessly for the profession and championed a scheme to prevent vulnerable people from becoming victims of fraud, has been recognised with a CTSI Hero Award. Jones is a Carmarthenshire county councillor with responsibility for trading standards, and was nominated for his role in developing the Financial Exploitation Safeguarding Scheme (FESS), a multi-agency project aimed at early intervention to prevent nancial abuse. He has also supported other innovative educational and awareness schemes using almost 200,000 clawed back from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: Schemes like the FESS help vulnerable people remain independent and happy in their homes for longer. They prevent further health issues from taking hold and support our already overburdened adult social care system. Jim has long since recognised the wider benets of a robust trading standards service, and has been fundamental in raising the prole and continued efforts of his team. His enthusiasm, creative thinking and commitment to the profession is an inspiration to us all. Jones was thrilled to receive the award. He said: I am delighted and honoured. Trading standards is a service I hold very dear speaking as a member of my own community, I know how important it is that we have a trading standards team ghting our corner when it comes to consumer safety. Chair of CTSI Council Christine Heemskerk presents Dudley Trading Standards with a Hero Award for its work on the longest trial in trading standards history Dudley Trading Standards, the team behind the UKs longest trading standards prosecution to date, had their efforts rewarded when they were presented with a CTSI Hero Award. A training guide detailing manipulative sales techniques believed to be prolic in the direct-sales industry and criticised by a judge during a four-month trial led to six prosecutions. In other cases, elderly and vulnerable victims of scams or nancial abuse were refunded large sums of money because of trading standards ofcers intervention and collaboration with adult safeguarding. In one case, a 91-year-old was refunded more than 37,000. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: Dudley Trading Standards has an impressive portfolio of secured convictions, with one investigation lasting four years. The Hero Awards are designed to recognise individuals and teams who go above and beyond in the ght against criminals. Dudley could not be more worthy of this award. Nick Powell, head of environmental health and trading standards at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, said: In the face of budgetary pressures and increasing workloads, our trading standards team often punch above their weight, taking on large-scale cases and facing many obstacles. Knowing all their hard work is being recognised with this prestigious award is very humbling, and a true reection of what a great bunch of people they are. Alfie the sniffer dog is rewarded for his efforts sniffing out illicit tobacco A smugglers worst nightmare, Ale the sniffer dog received a CTSI Hero Award for rooting out more than seven million illicit cigarettes and 20 tonnes of tobacco in 2015. Working with his canine colleagues, Ale is one of Wagtail UKs most successful hounds, holding the company record for nding 250,000 in cash from one raid. Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said: Ale is a fantastic ambassador for trading standards and really raises the prole of illicit tobacco. He has played a crucial role in Operation Henry and Im overjoyed to see his hard work recognised with this award. Operation Henry, developed and managed by CTSI, is a large-scale, coordinated project by local trading standards on behalf of the Department of Health to tackle the supply of illicit tobacco products across England. Aran Clyne, Ales handler at Wagtail UK, said: Ale is an absolute pleasure to work with and has an infectious personality. He takes pride in his work, never cutting corners or skiving off. Ive lost count of the number of large seizures Ale has been part of, yet hes never once asked for a pay rise, and all he wants in return for his hard work is a cuddle and a tennis ball. Ale is quite the four-legged celebrity, with a number of television appearances under his collar, including Surprise Surprise, The Kyle Files and Supervet in the Field.