Sandwell Council uses spying tactics

Spying powers were used by investigators at Sandwell Council almost 50 times in 12 months, it emerged today.

Council staff recorded telephone conversations and used CCTV surveillance to catch out dodgy traders, benefit cheats and nightmare neighbours.

The council has permission to use covert surveillance for the prevention and detection of crime.

It is only authorised if there is no other reasonable course of action.

In the last financial year, Sandwell used undercover surveillance in 12 trading standards investigations, six environmental health cases and on one resident for suspected benefit fraud.

It also used the powers for 30 cases of suspected anti-social behaviour.

The authority recorded mobile phone conversations via tapes synced up to the lines and, in some cases, undercover officers used miniature cameras with sound recorders hidden in clothing to rumble culprits.

Steve Eling, head of strategic resources, said: "I am sure the people of Sandwell will be pleased to see that we are using these powers to crack down on rogue traders, benefit cheats and nuisance families.

"We have used it very successfully for trading standards cases last year, and this year the figures show we have been very focused on anti-social behaviour.

"We are working hard to make sure those who try and fiddle the system or target hard working people with their criminal activity are caught."

Trading standards officers have previously used the powers to rumble bogus traders, including Hayley and Keith Horton who ran a counterfeit clothing operation which cost the industry £1 million. The couple were both jailed last month for their part in the con.