Consumer, crime and safety news

A County Durham farmer has been sentenced to 36 weeks in prison and disqualified from keeping or owning animals after being found guilty of animal cruelty charges.

A shop in County Durham has been ordered to close for three months having been linked to the sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

Illicit cigarettes and tobacco with a legitimate market value of more than £100,000 have been uncovered as part of an investigation.

The owner of holiday lets in County Durham has been fined and ordered to close their business after it was found to be operating during coronavirus restrictions.

We have successfully obtained a closure order against a County Durham gym for breaching health protection regulations by operating during lockdown.

A North East council is reminding its residents to be watchful for scams and fraud designed to target people during the coronavirus pandemic.

A County Durham man who was part of a wider scheme to sell fake sports memorabilia to unwitting fans has been sentenced in court.

An Chester-le-Street mobile fish seller who defrauded vulnerable households out of £100,000 has been sentenced today at Teesside Crown Court to 60 months in prison, reduced to 40 months for an early guilty plea.

Tenants in County Durham are being reminded to check their landlords are complying with property and rental standards following new and updated housing legislation.

We have partnered with a housing provider to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in areas of the county.

A County Durham couple has been fined after they were caught possessing counterfeit and illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

A Bishop Auckland man who operated as a scrap metal dealer for two years without a licence has been fined by magistrates.