0:00:03 > 0:00:09From waste and recycling to pest control and Trading Standards.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11The taxes that we pay to our local councils are used
0:00:11 > 0:00:15to provide many of our most essential services.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18I like people who are keen to recycle.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21In this series, we follow the front-line staff
0:00:21 > 0:00:26working behind the walls of Tameside Town Hall in Greater Manchester.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Like council officers across the country,
0:00:29 > 0:00:33these local heroes are waging war on those blighting our communities.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Oi, oi, oi! Excuse me, love, you can't do that!
0:00:36 > 0:00:39They're protecting us from hidden dangers...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41If there's rodent activity in your kitchen,
0:00:41 > 0:00:43you won't be opening tonight, it's that simple.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46..making sure our cash is spent on those who need it most.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50I'm at a loose end. I do not know where to turn.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53And responding to their residents when they...
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Coming up on today's programme:
0:01:02 > 0:01:03This is Milo.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05The council cracks down on sales
0:01:05 > 0:01:08of illegal and potentially lethal alcohol...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Illicit vodka, it would appear.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13..gets tough with a business that's rubbish at recycling.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- I don't want to keep coming down here and doing these visits.- No, no.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18I want it sorting, though.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20And even put their bodies on the line
0:01:20 > 0:01:22to rid the region's houses of fleas.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26A food source comes along and, bang, they'll bounce around,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28looking for that bite to get the blood.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42There are over 400 local councils in the UK,
0:01:42 > 0:01:44employing nearly two million people.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Accountable to the residents they serve,
0:01:47 > 0:01:48their collective goal is to provide
0:01:48 > 0:01:52our most essential services effectively and efficiently.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57From pest control and parking to noise abatement and food hygiene,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00officers at Tameside Council in Greater Manchester
0:02:00 > 0:02:04are dedicated to providing their residents value for money.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Good afternoon, Tameside Council, can I help?
0:02:06 > 0:02:09I'll try the line for Trading Standards,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11just hold the line one moment.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15At the council HQ, after a number of calls from worried residents
0:02:15 > 0:02:17and some secret intelligence gathering,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Carl Jones and the Trading Standards team
0:02:19 > 0:02:22are gearing up for a major operation.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Ultimately, I think I'm there to protect the public
0:02:25 > 0:02:29in one way or another. It might sound a bit like a Superman-type statement,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33but I react to any situations that come up within those spheres
0:02:33 > 0:02:36whether it be Trading Standards, or environmental health.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Across the country, Trading Standards officers like Carl
0:02:43 > 0:02:48ensure the goods and services we pay for are safe and legitimate.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52They investigate complaints and prosecute those that break the law.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Trading Standards and police, mate, just on a routine visit, is that OK?
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Today, Carl and the team are joining forces with the police
0:03:01 > 0:03:04to crack down on the sale of illegal cigarettes and alcohol.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08What I am going to do is have it tested to see if it's counterfeit.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11The aim is to rid the borough of booze and tobacco
0:03:11 > 0:03:15that's not just illegal, but also potentially lethal.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19At the moment, there's more illicit tobacco out there on the streets
0:03:19 > 0:03:22and marketplaces and small shops, and it's a growing problem.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27We've seized vodkas that contain chloroform and cleaning fluid,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30can cause people to lose their sight temporarily.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I know there was a case in Manchester where a lady drank
0:03:35 > 0:03:38some dangerous vodka and ended up in hospital -
0:03:38 > 0:03:40her kidneys failed, she lost her sight.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43I think she survived, but it's no laughing matter.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46But illegal alcohol also hits us taxpayers in the pocket.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50In the last five years, it's been estimated that almost £29 billion
0:03:50 > 0:03:54of tax revenue has been lost in the UK to illegal trade.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56People tend to see it as a victimless crime, they say,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59"Well, the only person who's losing out is the Treasury."
0:03:59 > 0:04:01That is not the case.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Very often, you've got organised crime behind these sorts of things.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06And they are the main profiteers.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11Obviously as that monster grows bigger things like this fuel it.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14With profit margins currently being squeezed,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17reports suggest that the number of people looking to make a fast buck
0:04:17 > 0:04:21from illegal booze is growing, something Trading Standards Officer
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Tracey Jones Lacey knows all too well.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26At the moment, with the current financial situation,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30there's more incentive for businesses or individuals
0:04:30 > 0:04:32to stretch the law.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40Since 2005, nearly 15 million litres of illegally produced alcohol
0:04:40 > 0:04:43has been seized in the UK.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Hello there. Trading Standards and police just on a routine check.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Today Carl and the team are on the lookout for bottles
0:04:49 > 0:04:55with fake barcodes, misprinted labels and items without UK duty stamps.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59It's not long before they spot some suspect spirits.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05Illicit vodka, it would appear. That's smuggled stock.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Basically there's various things on the labelling of the bottle itself
0:05:08 > 0:05:11that highlight that. I don't think it's all illicit,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14but some certainly is.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Smuggled stock is less likely to be harmful to health, but anyone
0:05:19 > 0:05:23selling it will have avoided paying tax, and this is a criminal offence.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30But the shop assistant in this store claims the vodka was all bought from a legitimate wholesaler.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34The owner bought it on the, um... The date is somewhere.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37There is some proper Glen's vodka, but when we contact the owner
0:05:37 > 0:05:41we'll ask him to bring that in with him, so if you could keep that safe.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44If the shop owners aren't guilty, the person who sold them the vodka
0:05:44 > 0:05:47could be liable to a fine of up to £5,000
0:05:47 > 0:05:51and a prison sentence of up to two years.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54That's per offence, could be per item, you know,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57so at the end of the day it's obviously quite serious.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Carl seizes the vodka for further investigation
0:06:00 > 0:06:05and the early signs are that today's operation is a success.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08I don't really see that war is the right word, but certainly
0:06:08 > 0:06:10we see it as something that we have to win, yeah.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13That we have to get control of.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16If I can walk down a high street or through a market place,
0:06:16 > 0:06:20and not see counterfeit and illicit goods openly being offered for sale, then I'm winning.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Coming up, the storeowner's day goes from bad to worse.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28You won't be able to sell alcohol. All this can't be offered for sale.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33And the council unleashes a powerful weapon to make a major breakthrough
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- in its war on illegal sales. - Tracey?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Well done, Ossie!
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Local council officers up and down the country work tirelessly
0:06:49 > 0:06:53to protect the cash in our pockets and keep our communities
0:06:53 > 0:06:56free from danger, whatever form it takes.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00No two days are the same. And one of the reasons I came into,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03you know, the wonderful world of environmental health
0:07:03 > 0:07:05and environmental services, is because it is so varied.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09There's so much to do. Today I'm dealing with a mouldy pork pie.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12This afternoon I'm going to a farm visit to look at the dairies.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15This evening I'm going to a paintballing place, so, you know,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19who can say that their day is, you know, is as varied as that?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21So, I love it.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25But first, Council Enforcement Officer Bev Hursthouse
0:07:25 > 0:07:30is scheduled to inspect a cafe and a sandwich shop that a resident has complained about.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34But en route, ever vigilant, Bev spots a charity collection
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- and wants to check it out. - Is Carl there?
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Just a bit concerned these collectors that are collecting for a charity
0:07:40 > 0:07:43are not as legitimate as perhaps they should be.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Collection for the Philippines!
0:07:46 > 0:07:49There's two elements here that I'm concerned about.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52One is obviously you're stood there with a bucket with money in.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- Yeah.- Yeah? And we've got sort of people walking past who think,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- "Oh, actually, I'm going to take that money from you."- Right.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02And the other issue is, is obviously in my view I believe
0:08:02 > 0:08:06it's supposed to be in a sealed sort of container with a licence.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09You're dead right. The reason we're breaking the protocol -
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- I've talked to a couple of policemen passing by...- OK.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15And because it's such a spontaneous thing,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19and as far as I'm concerned, the need overrules
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- the protocol of everything.- OK.
0:08:21 > 0:08:27Bev's concerned because, despite there being over 180,000 registered charities in England,
0:08:27 > 0:08:33in one year alone over £147 million of our donations were lost to fraud.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Council officers have the authority to enforce regulations
0:08:39 > 0:08:42set out by the Fundraising Standards Board.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44It states that collection boxes should be sealed
0:08:44 > 0:08:47and collectors should wear ID badges.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51My concern is you, really. I'm just looking after your safety, OK?
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Yeah, I know what you mean, but as far as I was concerned,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58I can't afford to wait to send letters and wait for replies.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- By that time, people have starved. - OK.- And so I have broke protocol,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- but I just think the disaster's more important.- Good for you.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Today's fundraisers are legitimate
0:09:08 > 0:09:11and Bev sees no reason to stop them collecting.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Collection for the Philippine disaster!
0:09:14 > 0:09:17As the gentlemen said, he is going against protocol. He is...
0:09:17 > 0:09:21He should have applied 28 days, sort of, ago but I think we can kind of
0:09:21 > 0:09:24trust the gentleman, so I think on this occasion
0:09:24 > 0:09:28we may just have to, you know, let this one go.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32For Bev, making a professional judgment like this
0:09:32 > 0:09:36is all part and parcel of keeping our communities, and our cash, safe.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Local councils across Britain are battling budget cuts and making
0:09:53 > 0:09:57difficult decisions about how to manage their shrinking resources.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Afternoon. Tameside Council, can I help?
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Yeah, I'll try pest control. Just bear with me just one moment.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Tameside Council is one of the few to keep a pest control department.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- Number 22.- Today their fearless Pest Control Officer, Brian Whelan,
0:10:11 > 0:10:17- is responding to a call from a landlord with some unwelcome tenants - fleas.- Let's go.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21It could be the person that's just moved out has had a cat or a dog
0:10:21 > 0:10:24in these empty properties. And unfortunately, they've left
0:10:24 > 0:10:29some pleasant little creatures behind for the next tenant, so we go in.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32We'll go and spray for them. I'm looking for 22.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35It's there? Cheers.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38That's a big fella, innit?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42BRIAN LAUGHS
0:10:42 > 0:10:46Brave Brian's equipment may look like a giant thermos flask,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50but instead of tea, it contains something much more powerful.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00This is insecticidal spray, eh, for flea treatment. It will kill.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11Fleas can lay dormant in a property such as this for anything up to a year.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15They become active when they sense heat or food.
0:11:16 > 0:11:22They can be anywhere, hiding. Carpet, material, or in nooks and crannies.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27A food source comes along and bang, they'll bounce around
0:11:27 > 0:11:29looking for that bite to get the blood.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33There you go. And there's one moving.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36They won't be getting a feed off me, cos I'll get rid of them.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43Right. That's everywhere.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45I want to get out of here.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Right, that's done. On to the next one.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Touch wood, I've never took anything home. I've never took any fleas home
0:11:56 > 0:11:59or anything on me. I've had them on me when I've come out of the house,
0:11:59 > 0:12:01you know, little bits will be on my legs and things like that,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05but I flick them off and wipe myself down and everything, you know.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09It's part of the job. But touch wood, I've never, ever took anything home.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Hopefully he's on me! HE LAUGHS
0:12:21 > 0:12:25While Brian's fighting fleas, council enforcement officer
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Simon Ashton is fighting for our money.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32He's investigating a complaint made by the council's
0:12:32 > 0:12:36refuse collection team about a food wholesaler who isn't separating
0:12:36 > 0:12:39his plastic waste from his cardboard.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42The initial complaint, really, was the bins. They say they were
0:12:42 > 0:12:45putting plastic packaging into the cardboard only bins.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48So we'll have a quick look in those.
0:12:48 > 0:12:54England alone generates over 170 million tonnes of waste every year.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58And in the UK it costs us all over £4 billion a year
0:12:58 > 0:13:00to dispose of it.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04To help reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill and save us money,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Tameside Council provides a free recycling collection service,
0:13:08 > 0:13:11but this business owner is abusing it.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15If that cardboard has to go to landfill because it's contaminated
0:13:15 > 0:13:20with plastics, I think the figure is something like
0:13:20 > 0:13:23£300 a tonne for waste going to landfill.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25So the council have got to pick that bill up, because somebody
0:13:25 > 0:13:29couldn't be bothered to separate the plastic from the cardboard.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31It's quite annoying, really.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35Simon's job is to stop businesses like this wasting our cash.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37But this is his second visit
0:13:37 > 0:13:41and the owner hasn't paid any attention to his earlier warnings.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43I can say that, you know, it's...
0:13:43 > 0:13:46It's creating more work for the council. When they come and collect,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49there's a chance the actual lads on the collection will just say,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52"We're not collecting it anyway." But even if they do,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56if it does go off for recycling, say this stuff, you don't...
0:13:56 > 0:13:59it shouldn't be in there. OK? And it's a free service we're providing,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02so I'm really disappointed they haven't sort of taken on board
0:14:02 > 0:14:05what I said last week.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Making matters worse, waste is also littering
0:14:08 > 0:14:10other areas in the wholesaler's yard.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13The thing is with something like sofas and that,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15it shouldn't be there. It's a car park.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18It provides harbourage for pests. Well, this is a food business.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21So once you get a problem with pests in this area, the next thing
0:14:21 > 0:14:24is they're going to try and get into the actual premises.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Then they run the risk of having an actual pest infestation.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31It's really annoying because we try and take a gradual approach with businesses.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35You want to try and help them. But if they're not going to take on board what we're saying
0:14:35 > 0:14:38we're probably looking at a stage where we'll have to start
0:14:38 > 0:14:41serving enforcement notices to actually get them to do things.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45After two visits without seeing any vast improvements,
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Simon's about to get tough.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Right, I came down last week, didn't I, about the complaints about the bins.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57I've had a quick look in that yard. It's still not looking -
0:14:57 > 0:15:01it's looking a little bit better, but there's still problems in there.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- The yard?- Yeah. Come on, let's have a look.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- I took everything from there. - Right...
0:15:07 > 0:15:10There was a problem with you putting plastic packaging
0:15:10 > 0:15:12in the cardboard-only bins.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Now, I have just had another look and you are still doing it.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- It is quite clear. There is paper and cardboard.- Right.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I'm going to address this from today. I'll make sure we...
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- But I told you this a week ago. - Yeah, I know, but... as you can see...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Well, it is a bit better, but it is still not great, is it?
0:15:29 > 0:15:31I mean, you've still got to get this...
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- And I was hoping today that that would have gone.- They will be gone.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35They will be gone tomorrow.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Because somebody is going to come and take them away.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Simon is forced to explain the importance of disposing
0:15:41 > 0:15:44of waste properly once again.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- What you are doing, you're putting it in there, aren't you?- Well, they are being taken away.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52I'm not going to lie to you, they are being taken away with the cardboard.
0:15:53 > 0:15:54But it's not...
0:15:54 > 0:15:57these bins are not for taking plastic packaging.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Yeah... Well, now we know, so we'll make sure we don't.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02So what are you going to do with it, then?
0:16:02 > 0:16:06I'm going to go tomorrow and get the bin from the council for the waste.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07I'll be honest with you,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10I don't want to keep coming down here and doing these visits.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11- I want it sorted now.- No, no.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15Tomorrow morning, like I said, I'm going to get that shifted for you.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18I might not be able to go to the council tomorrow,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22but Monday I'm going to go and get a big wheelie bin from them.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24If you don't do it by sort of early next week,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- and if you have not got arrangements in place...- It's done.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29What I will do then is serve an enforcement notice...
0:16:29 > 0:16:30We will make sure.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34..which will give you a certain amount of time to show you have adequate arrangements in place.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38If you don't comply with that notice then you can end up with a £300 fixed penalty notice.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Oh, no, no.- So you don't want...
0:16:40 > 0:16:43With the threat of a heavy fine if there aren't drastic improvements
0:16:43 > 0:16:48before Simon's next visit, will the business owner finally take heed?
0:17:03 > 0:17:06As well as fighting to make the best use of our taxes,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Britain's council officers are fighting to keep us healthy.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Last year in the UK, over four million of us
0:17:13 > 0:17:17fell ill from food we ate in restaurants and takeaways.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Striving to get those figures down is
0:17:19 > 0:17:22the council's Environmental Health team.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26They have the power to close any premises that aren't up to scratch.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28It's not ideal to close somewhere down.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It is not a pleasant experience,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35but what the job-rewarding side of things is, is knowing that
0:17:35 > 0:17:40that business is not in a position to cause anybody any harm.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Every pub, cafe, restaurant
0:17:42 > 0:17:47and supermarket that serves food is rated by council officers like Bev.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Five is the highest rating awarded
0:17:49 > 0:17:53and any premises with two or below are likely to be served
0:17:53 > 0:17:57notices to improve and are inspected more frequently.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59I am a huge fan of the risk rating.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01I think it kind of gives the opportunity
0:18:01 > 0:18:04for the public to see behind the doors.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Give them our eyes for a while.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10Because you can go into some businesses and front of shop
0:18:10 > 0:18:12looks glamorous and great and really,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16our concern is not really how lovely the tablecloths look at
0:18:16 > 0:18:19the front of house, our concern is really what is going on at the back.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23That is the bit that can potentially make people unwell.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26First on her inspection list is a Market Hall cafe.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30She has inspected Mr Rudolph's place before but he doesn't know
0:18:30 > 0:18:32she's coming to do another spot check today.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Couple of issues last time.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36We had some problems with documentation,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39some training issues, a few cleaning issues...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43He was not best pleased because he was on a rating of three stars
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and he was hoping for more.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49So now it is routine food hygiene inspection again,
0:18:49 > 0:18:50sort of 18 months on.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Hopefully, I mean really, the potential is there
0:18:52 > 0:18:54that it could be a five-star business, so hopefully
0:18:54 > 0:18:57he will do all right and we will get that result for him today.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Hi, I'm from environmental health,
0:19:00 > 0:19:02here to do your routine food hygiene inspection.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Before I come in and put my whites on, have you got your paperwork to hand?
0:19:07 > 0:19:10All food businesses need to keep and present up-to-date records
0:19:10 > 0:19:14of their procedures, training, and hygiene checks.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16If they don't,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20the businesses won't get anything higher than a satisfactory rating.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- Pest control still with Tameside, isn't it?- Yes.- Yeah, that's good.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- That's great. And you are doing your four weekly checks.- Just done it this morning.- Brilliant. Good.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- so, how are you finding the pack now, all right?- Yeah.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- Once it is implemented, it is really quite straightforward, isn't it? - No problem at all.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41My satisfaction is providing the advice, really.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Making sure people are clear on good practices,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47making sure that what they are doing is safe.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51With paperwork in place, Bev gives the cafe a thorough inspection.
0:19:54 > 0:20:00- All your meat is bought in cooked? Ready cooked, your meats?- Yeah.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- And the only raw still is your bacon, is that right?- Yes.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10So, based on today's inspection,
0:20:10 > 0:20:15- you are going to get your full five stars. Which is good.- Wheee!
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- So your full five stars. - That has gone up.- Gone up. Yeah.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22To the highest standard which is good.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24So keep on top of what you are doing. Don't change anything.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- If we keep just the same, we will be all right?- Yeah. Good.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- So all we do now is... - Keep as you are doing.- Yeah.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35There was a couple of issues, nothing really bad.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40But, er, no, it's better. better.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45Thank you very much. See you soon, take care. Thanks, ladies. Bye!
0:20:45 > 0:20:50Mr Rudolph might be underplaying it but it is great news for his cafe.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53Five is the highest rating that Bev could have awarded.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Next on Bev's hit list is a local sandwich shop.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01This business has a three-star rating but Bev's following up
0:21:01 > 0:21:06a complaint from a customer who called the council about staff hygiene.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07We have received a complaint.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11A member of the public thinks there is not enough hand-washing going on.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14I'm here from environmental health. Is the owner of the business around?
0:21:14 > 0:21:17I have got the owner of the business is Kevin. Is that yourself? Yeah?
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- That's right, yes.- So no change in ownership, Kevin?- No.- OK.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23And your last inspection...
0:21:23 > 0:21:28was carried out back in 2010, so it is just routine.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Dirty hands pass on diseases fast.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Not washing them, especially before handling food,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38means infections like diarrhoea and the flu virus can spread.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Two reasons, as I said to you before, why we are here.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43One is that your food hygiene inspection is due anyway
0:21:43 > 0:21:46but we had a call, somebody was concerned
0:21:46 > 0:21:50some of your members of staff are going out for a smoke break.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53It needs to be visibly clear that they are hand-washing
0:21:53 > 0:21:54when they come back in.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58All food businesses must have hot water
0:21:58 > 0:22:02and soap on hand for all employees to use.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Bev has to take the owner's word that procedures are being
0:22:05 > 0:22:08followed as she continues her inspection.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12I do like to work with the businesses.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14I don't go in all guns blazing
0:22:14 > 0:22:17and I do find that I like to remain approachable
0:22:17 > 0:22:21because I would like to help them to help themselves, really.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27OK. So, how often do you do your checks, Kevin?
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Usually sometime mid-morning and then later on in the afternoon.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35OK, so you are doing them twice a day. And what ones are you checking?
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- Freezers and fridges, mainly. - The hot counter as well?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42What temperature are you looking for on your hot counter?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Over 63 on that one. - And the fridges?
0:22:44 > 0:22:49Below eight is legal, but we like to go below that, below five, really.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Good. So you are giving me all the right answers. That's good!
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- That has prepped up nicely, there.- Yes.- OK.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59That has come up and as you rightly said, it needs to be above that 63.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- That's great.- Yeah.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03We have procedures to follow.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08We have guidance there so there is in a way a tick box
0:23:08 > 0:23:10and they have to meet the tick boxes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Hopefully, I do go in and make this clear to businesses.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Owner Kevin clearly knows his stuff which is good news for Bev.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Everything here is really good.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22You are running a good ship, so to speak.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Have a chat with your staff about the smoking.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28- So based on that, you are going to get five stars today.- Oh.- Yeah?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Good.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31Two inspections done
0:23:31 > 0:23:35and both business have gone from a three to a five-star hygiene rating.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- Thanks very much.- Brilliant. - Thanks, Kevin.- No problem.- Thanks.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42That is what you strive for, isn't it?
0:23:42 > 0:23:45You can't get better than five-star, can you?
0:23:45 > 0:23:47I'm generous with my fives today, they must be working hard,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50these businesses in Tameside, to get their fives.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Thanks! See you now.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Bev and her colleagues back at the council's HQ try their best
0:24:01 > 0:24:04to resolve any issues residents have with local businesses.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10But when residents call the council it's not always with thank you in mind.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13A lot of people don't appreciate what it is that we do.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16The amount of stick we have to take sometimes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20I have been called all sorts on the phone. Some people...
0:24:20 > 0:24:22I've seen some of the girls in the office crying
0:24:22 > 0:24:25because it is upsetting on occasions.
0:24:25 > 0:24:26Me, it just makes me laugh.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30I can't say that I've had many thank you cards in my time,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33but when you get the occasional one, you realise that maybe somebody
0:24:33 > 0:24:37else appreciated it, that you have gone to a little more trouble
0:24:37 > 0:24:41than they expected you to, just to give them that level of service.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I would like to think that people turn around and go, hey,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47get Brian, phone the council. Get Brian, he does a good job.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50He will look after you, he will sort it. Cos at the end of the day,
0:24:50 > 0:24:54I want to go home at night and think to myself... Sit there,
0:24:54 > 0:24:58maybe there are some guys out there who would think, you're mad.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I like to think to myself, I can sleep tonight.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02Everyone is happy with what I've done.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05But you are not going to please everybody.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Back on the streets, the council's operation to rid
0:25:17 > 0:25:20the borough of illegal and potentially life-threatening
0:25:20 > 0:25:23alcohol and tobacco is gathering momentum.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Having seized a consignment of smuggled vodka,
0:25:25 > 0:25:30Carl has called in the council's licensing officer David Smith, who's
0:25:30 > 0:25:34spotted another infringement of the shop's licence to sell alcohol.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35Is it Massah Hussain?
0:25:35 > 0:25:41Hi, I am David Smith. That is my ID, just so you know who I am.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44I think people do try and cut corners where they can.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48'But ultimately, if they get found out doing it,'
0:25:48 > 0:25:50then it's them that suffer.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54To sell alcohol, you need a licence. This shop's licence also
0:25:54 > 0:25:58stipulates that it must have a fully operational CCTV system which
0:25:58 > 0:26:02can protect customers and shopkeepers alike.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05OK. In relation to your CCTV system...
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Yeah?- Can you operate that?- Yeah.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11You can burn footage off, you can search through data on a system?
0:26:11 > 0:26:14MUFFLED SPEECH
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Can you show us this time yesterday?
0:26:18 > 0:26:21No, not yesterday.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- So you can't operate the system? - No, not check it.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28So you can't operate the system? Is that what we are saying?
0:26:28 > 0:26:32I have asked you if you can work the system. You have said yes.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I don't think you can. And from what you are telling me now, I don't think you can.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38'The CCTV is a good tool for the detecting crime, preventing crime.'
0:26:38 > 0:26:41And whilst it is expensive
0:26:41 > 0:26:44and some shop owners don't see the requirement of having it...
0:26:44 > 0:26:48And they might not be, they might not have been the victim of a crime,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52but there are a lot of licensed premises where people come in trying
0:26:52 > 0:26:58to steal from a shop, or steal money from the till, things like that.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01And that CCTV can prove crucial later down the line
0:27:01 > 0:27:03when the police catch these offenders.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Dave has the power to stop a store selling alcohol
0:27:06 > 0:27:09if their CCTV isn't working properly.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13From our point of view, you have obviously got illicit alcohol on your shelves.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17The condition put on your licence by the court is not being adhered to.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21You won't be able to sell alcohol until we come back and have signed your CCTV off.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26- So all this...- Can we just cover it, put a thingy over it?
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Cover it, remove it, whatever you need to do.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- It cannot be offered for sale. - OK.- OK.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Left with thousands of pounds worth of stock they can't sell and
0:27:36 > 0:27:41their licence suspended, the future of this store hangs in the balance.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Make sure you know how it's working.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Because when we come, it is going to be,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49you are going to be asked to show us how it works.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51And it needs to be working.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55Otherwise you're not getting your licence. Does it make sense, that?
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- Does that make sense? - OK, no problem.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Coming up - with one source of illegal booze shut down
0:28:05 > 0:28:08the council are stepping up their campaign to keep
0:28:08 > 0:28:10counterfeit goods off the streets
0:28:10 > 0:28:12and are about to unleash a potent weapon.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Well done, Ozzie.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Across town, council officer Simon Ashton is battling with
0:28:30 > 0:28:34a business owner whose lax attitude to recycling has caused
0:28:34 > 0:28:36the council's refuse collectors to complain.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40He's given him a verbal warning.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43And continued failure to sort plastic waste from cardboard
0:28:43 > 0:28:45will result in formal proceedings.
0:28:46 > 0:28:51Simon's fighting to save us, the taxpayer, £300 per tonne
0:28:51 > 0:28:55of unsorted waste and the cost of these unnecessary visits.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59Because today, Simon's making his third inspection of the yard.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03So there's just a bit in there. I've got lots... Look at that.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09It's annoying, really,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12when you're having to go back to the same sort of complaints.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14You want to see progress, you want to see lasting progress.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17The sofa's gone, the bed's gone.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Looks like they've been out with a strimmer
0:29:19 > 0:29:21cos they've been cutting back,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24there's some litter on the floor but I'm sure they'll get that shifted
0:29:24 > 0:29:27but, yeah, it's looking a lot, lot better.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30So there is still a little bit of plastic packaging in there.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31I think what it is,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34it's like a cardboard tray with a bit of plastic around it,
0:29:34 > 0:29:36so you need to have a chat with the lads in there, really,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39just make sure that when they're putting any cardboard in there,
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- there's no plastic. OK.- No worries.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43The yard is looking so much better now.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Have you had the strimmer out? - I've had the strimmer out!
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- You've now got a contract set up for your general waste.- Yeah.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- So your bins are coming Tuesday or Wednesday next week? - Tuesday or Wednesday.- That's good.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57I think that's the main thing, isn't it? You've now got this sorted.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It's taken three visits, hours of council time
0:30:00 > 0:30:03and the delivery of nine free recycling bins
0:30:03 > 0:30:05to get this business into shape.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09Now, it's down to the owner to maintain it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11I'm really pleased but what I want to see now is,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- I want to see you keep it like this. - Keep it like it, yes.- Cos obviously,
0:30:14 > 0:30:16- I've been here before with complaints.- We'll make sure.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Can you make sure that it will be kept like this?- Spot on.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- Yeah. Then I can leave you alone, can't I?- Thank you very much!
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Always vans coming around here!
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- All right, there's your paperwork. - Thank you very much.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30The business owner has avoided any penalties this time
0:30:30 > 0:30:34but it's unlikely he'll fall off Simon's radar any time soon.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36It's taken three visits to get this done
0:30:36 > 0:30:39and really, I thought it could have been done in two.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Obviously we're really busy and you hope when you tell somebody,
0:30:42 > 0:30:45when you come back a week later things will be right,
0:30:45 > 0:30:48and I said to him I wasn't happy last week, so I thought, you know,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50just need to push him along, really, and get it done
0:30:50 > 0:30:53and he's obviously done that now and I'm really pleased.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09Local councils across the country have a legal obligation
0:31:09 > 0:31:13to collect our household waste, but waste dumped in communal areas
0:31:13 > 0:31:17is not necessarily the council's responsibility.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20These communal passage areas
0:31:20 > 0:31:24and communal courtyards, there is a lot of confusion with that.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27The council don't own or maintain them
0:31:27 > 0:31:29so anything that happens there
0:31:29 > 0:31:33is basically a responsibility of the people that live there.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36People that actually live there have to bite the bullet
0:31:36 > 0:31:39and take the responsibility for the area.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43One Tameside resident trying to take responsibility for the area
0:31:43 > 0:31:46behind his house is Gerry Webb.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50His alleyway has become a dumping ground for local fly tippers.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I've lived in this property for 25 years
0:31:53 > 0:31:56and obviously it's been a nice neighbourhood.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59For the past couple of years, it's been totally getting out of hand.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Last year, October, I complained to the council
0:32:04 > 0:32:09about fly tipping. They said it was being investigated.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12They did clear it up, mind you,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14and it's all started again.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18I don't think the people who put the rubbish there have got any shame
0:32:18 > 0:32:21whatsoever, because otherwise they wouldn't have put it there.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24I'm really stressed out with this situation
0:32:24 > 0:32:26because it's outside the side of my front door.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Gerry's been calling the council for help
0:32:30 > 0:32:34because the rubbish isn't just a nuisance - it's also dangerous.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39Now, all it takes is one child who plays in the community
0:32:39 > 0:32:43in the area to fall on that and they could really injure themselves.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47It all started out with three mattresses.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Now, it's building up
0:32:49 > 0:32:54and the reason I will not move it is because it's creating more space
0:32:54 > 0:32:58for the people to dump more rubbish, so I'm leaving it as it is.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01We've got to make this a safer place.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04This is a breeding ground for rats.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09In 2013, local authorities in England dealt with over
0:33:09 > 0:33:12700,000 incidents of fly tipping.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13Over two-thirds of these
0:33:13 > 0:33:15involved household waste.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19The cost of clearance to us taxpayers was £36 million.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28To try and encourage the public to keep their streets waste-free,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Tameside, like many other local councils, is promoting
0:33:31 > 0:33:33a Clean and Safe initiative.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36And today, Gerry's street is getting cleaned up
0:33:36 > 0:33:40because the council agree the extent of the fly tipping
0:33:40 > 0:33:43poses a risk to the public's health and safety.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Louise is wrapped up and ready for action.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Today is the day
0:33:48 > 0:33:53that we will provide a bin wagon to take the rubbish away.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57We've also provided tools, wheelbarrows, spades,
0:33:57 > 0:34:02all sorts of tools on a temporary borrow basis,
0:34:02 > 0:34:07and we've also got some of our Clean and Safe neighbourhood officers here
0:34:07 > 0:34:10to physically help out, along with the volunteers
0:34:10 > 0:34:13and we're going to try and clean the area up.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16But to make today's initiative successful,
0:34:16 > 0:34:21Louise, Gerry and the council team need to get other residents to help.
0:34:21 > 0:34:22Nobody on this street.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27We've been round the other side. They can't help neither.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29What a disappointment.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Nobody's answering the door and nobody wants to come out.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36I spoke to a lot of people about this decision
0:34:36 > 0:34:38and they all said, "Yeah, we'll help,"
0:34:38 > 0:34:40and these are the people, you can't even get in.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43They've all had the letter, they've all had the leaflet,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- they've all had the door knock and nobody's interested.- No.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49It looks like you're it! And us.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Well, I'm glad you're here anyway.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Well, how can I put this?
0:34:53 > 0:34:58Some people might be at work but for those people who are not working,
0:34:58 > 0:35:02who are not coming out, I feel very disappointed.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04It's their community, it's their area,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07they're prepared to do nothing about it.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10So I feel a bit dejected, in a sense.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Got to be careful!
0:35:14 > 0:35:17I think some community spirit definitely has been lost
0:35:17 > 0:35:21in areas like that. I think people are more insular now.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26They used to... Nice weather, they'd all be out on the doorsteps
0:35:26 > 0:35:30and chatting, and you used to go up and down there and you'd see
0:35:30 > 0:35:34perhaps elderly residents with a kitchen chair on the front step
0:35:34 > 0:35:38and they'd be out and they'd talk to the kids
0:35:38 > 0:35:40and the kids would play in the street
0:35:40 > 0:35:44and that sort of thing, and over the years, I've seen that change.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50With a poor turnout from the locals so far, Louise presses on.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57It could be tater hash or it could be poo. I'm not sure.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59It's certainly not recyclable plastic and glass!
0:36:01 > 0:36:03All of us, myself included, we are flogging
0:36:03 > 0:36:06and nobody even offered us a cup of tea because, you know,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10they'd sort of, "Oh, I'm glad to see you're doing something AT LAST."
0:36:10 > 0:36:13So, hang on, it's been done several times.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17And last time I checked, nobody from Tameside Council came round
0:36:17 > 0:36:20dumping mattresses, you know, we're doing our bit
0:36:20 > 0:36:22where we don't even need to,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25so we just need people to help themselves a little bit.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29After an hour of graft,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32two of Gerry's neighbours arrive and offer their services.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36- They were struggling to get out of the house.- It's the first time
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- the gate's been opened since they moved in because of this.- Yeah.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43We do appreciate them coming out, particularly as new residents.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46They want where they live to be nice.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49And neighbours just meeting each other, that's a good thing,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52that's a good start for a community project, isn't it?
0:36:52 > 0:36:56Well, it's our backs, pure and simple, that's it,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59and it needs to be somewhere nice, if they have grandchildren,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02be nice for them to have somewhere nice in the summer that we could all
0:37:02 > 0:37:03sit out with the neighbours
0:37:03 > 0:37:05rather than just sitting in your own garden.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08There's not a lot of community spirit around at all
0:37:08 > 0:37:11anywhere any more, definitely not.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14This would not have been like this when I was a little girl.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17You really had to admire the residents that did help.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21They really got stuck in, because they want it to be better.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26With the communal area finally clear,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Gerry's got rid of his unwanted rubbish
0:37:28 > 0:37:30and made some new friends along the way.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Very grateful and very happy with the result,
0:37:35 > 0:37:37and a lovely set of people.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41Everybody's mucked in, everybody's done their part
0:37:41 > 0:37:44and you can't ask for no more, you can't ask for no more.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Like all local councils, Tameside do much more than collect our rubbish.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Council officers Carl Jones and Tracy Jones Lacy
0:38:06 > 0:38:09are on a mission to protect the public from the hidden dangers
0:38:09 > 0:38:12of counterfeit alcohol and tobacco.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14So what we're going to do Is split up into two teams,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17so it needs to be a TSO and a police officer,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21and then we'll start in the opposite direction and work in the middle.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25Smuggled vodka has already been found in one store
0:38:25 > 0:38:29but criminals intent on selling illicit and illegal booze
0:38:29 > 0:38:32and tobacco go to extreme lengths to hide their goods,
0:38:32 > 0:38:36so Tracey and Carl have enlisted a very special weapon to sniff it out.
0:38:38 > 0:38:39Ozzie is a rescue dog.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42We got him about eight-months-old.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45He's now three-years-old.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48He's one of our more experienced tobacco dogs,
0:38:48 > 0:38:50finds very well concealed tobacco.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Yeah, and he was in training for about four months
0:38:55 > 0:38:59and then since then, yeah, he's been on searches
0:38:59 > 0:39:03with government agencies, doing really well.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06On Ozzie, Carl and Tracey's hit list is a shop
0:39:06 > 0:39:09that has a history of selling counterfeit tobacco.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11OK, is there any tobacco on the premises?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13I know you've got some there.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- Is there any other cigarettes or tobacco on the premises?- No.- OK.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20What we'd like to do is shut the shop for ten minutes
0:39:20 > 0:39:22while the dog has a look around. OK.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26We do find that as time's gone on, they get more and more devious.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27For example, we'll find tobacco,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30we'll find it hidden in the footboards of shelving,
0:39:30 > 0:39:34inside children's sweets, inside boxes of crisps.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35'We have a good look around the shop
0:39:35 > 0:39:37'and if there's a cellar, we go into the cellar.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40'We recently found £20,000 of illicit alcohol
0:39:40 > 0:39:41'in a concealed cellar.'
0:39:41 > 0:39:44He was wholesaling to other traders in the area.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48With lethal drugs like arsenic
0:39:48 > 0:39:52and formaldehyde found in illegal packets, getting caught
0:39:52 > 0:39:55selling counterfeit tobacco could lead to ten years in prison.
0:39:57 > 0:39:58Tracy.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- Hey. Well done.- Well done.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Well done, Ozzie.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08There we go.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13With the stash found, Tracy leads the questioning.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- Do you have to hide it?- No.- Why? Why would it be under there, then?
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- I keep it there.- Why?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- So I just keep it there.- Why?
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- Why would you keep it concealed? - Because it's my personal smoke.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33- So that's why.- Right, well, I'm seizing it, OK?
0:40:33 > 0:40:34- I'm seizing it.- It's personal.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36You'd have to prove that it's personal,
0:40:36 > 0:40:40that you got a receipt for it from a legitimate source, OK?
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- All right.- So have you got a receipt
0:40:42 > 0:40:45- from the person that you bought it from?- I bought it from one guy.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47What I am going to do is have it tested
0:40:47 > 0:40:50to see if it's counterfeit, OK?
0:40:50 > 0:40:53If it is, then you may be charged,
0:40:53 > 0:40:58you'll be interviewed for possessing and possibly selling.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01A person who breaks the law, it could be anybody.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06I've had, "I didn't know", "I'm selling it on behalf of a friend",
0:41:06 > 0:41:10"I didn't even know that false ceiling was there." We have it all.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15You kind of take everybody's comments with a pinch of salt,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18unfortunately. You become very cynical in this job.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21But Tracy doesn't just rely on experience to decide
0:41:21 > 0:41:23what's right and what's wrong.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25What the companies do,
0:41:25 > 0:41:29they install on the strip here
0:41:29 > 0:41:32something very, very secret, which we don't know about,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34which is detected by this machine
0:41:34 > 0:41:37and it would tell us if it's genuine or not.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39If it's a genuine product, it would turn green.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44If it's a non-genuine product, it would turn red,
0:41:44 > 0:41:48so this gives me enough suspicion now to seize it.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53With illicit vodka and counterfeit tobacco seized,
0:41:53 > 0:41:55hundreds of pounds' worth of potentially lethal goods
0:41:55 > 0:41:58have been removed from the streets.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01It's been a good day for Tracy, Carl, and even Ozzie.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07And it's not just this triumphant trio celebrating today.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- There's your paperwork. - Thank you very much.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Local council heroes up and down the country
0:42:12 > 0:42:14have been fighting for our cash...
0:42:14 > 0:42:17It could be tater hash or it could be poo. I'm not sure.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20But it's certainly not recyclable plastic and glass!
0:42:20 > 0:42:23..and making sure we're safe from hidden germs.
0:42:23 > 0:42:25I'm generous with my fives today.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28But wrongdoers intent on blighting our communities are a constant
0:42:28 > 0:42:32threat, so it's good to know that officers like Tracy are ready
0:42:32 > 0:42:34to respond whenever we call the council.
0:42:34 > 0:42:40If you're a good guy and you're legitimate,
0:42:40 > 0:42:42then yeah, we're the good guys.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44If you're doing something wrong, kind of watch out,
0:42:44 > 0:42:46because eventually we'll find you.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54The store selling illicit vodka was issued with a written warning
0:42:54 > 0:42:58and, after fixing its CCTV, had its licence returned.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02The amount of counterfeit tobacco Ozzie found was not enough
0:43:02 > 0:43:05to indicate non-personal use.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09The man received a written warning about selling non-duty-paid tobacco.