A JOINT investigation between Trading Standards and police has seen four Reading people arrested for fraud.
The quartet – three men and a woman – have been released on bail following an investigation that was a supported by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).
No details of their activities have been released by police, but they were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Fraud Act and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.
Sergeant Ricci Dolan, from SEROCU, said: “These arrests come as part of an investigation being led by Trading Standards into rogue traders operating in the Reading area.
“This is one such example of our commitment to working with our partners to tackle crime across the South East.”
The view was echoed by Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services and community safety at Reading Borough Council.
“The arrests are the result of an excellent joint investigation and decisive action by Reading Council’s Trading Standards officers and our partners.
“We will not hesitate to act against offenders suspected of carrying out these illegal activities in an attempt to defraud the public.
“Instant, free, consumer advice is available via our partnership with the helpline at the Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133, www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/.”