Dodgy traders under spotlight in markets

Surveillance will be introduced to target dishonest stallholders at markets in Walsall as part of the borough council's newly-launched crackdown on rogue traders.

The authority is to spend thousands of pounds in a bid to combat illegal activity that has plagued Brownhills and Bescot markets over recent years, with counterfeit DVDs, CDs and clothing items seized. Bosses say crooked traders at markets are often linked to organised crime, and could be caught out if undercover officers are deployed.

An investment of £21,000 in the surveillance is to be made over the next year.

Karen Sands, chairwoman of Walsall Market Traders Association, welcomed the move.

"At Walsall market, we have a very good management system, but unfortunately when they can't set up here, they go to the other markets elsewhere in the borough," she said.

"Now the council have taken on Brownhills market, I know they are keen to stamp out any illegal activity and I think that is something that gives shoppers and traders confidence.

"The massive majority of traders are selling top quality goods, but these people bring the reputation of entire markets down."

Sheraz Hussain, of Red House Street, Walsall, sold fake Nike, Adidas and Lacoste goods at Willenhall, Walsall and Bescot markets for more than a year despite being cautioned by trading standards officers.

The father-of-two, of Red House Street, Walsall, was given a five-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, last week. More than 400 illegal DVDs and computer games were seized.