Likely increase in number of e-cigarette, alcohol, offensive weapons cases

The West Berkshire, Wokingham and Bracknell public protection investigations team is currently working on 23 ongoing unfair trading, fraud and counterfeiting cases.

Of these, 11 are already in the court system and all are expected to end up in the crown court.

A number are set for trial in 2025, as well as in 2026.

It is anticipated that there will be an increase in the number of e-cigarette, alcohol, offensive weapons and investigation prosecutions with a new officer dedicated to underage sales.

There are also likely to be two fireworks actions following test purchases to check compliance over the November and New Year period.

The district’s Accredited Financial Investigators have 10 active money laundering/confiscation investigations, along with nine pending cases.

The total amount of cash recovered for victims amounted to £159,890 – with Bracknell victims getting £17,000 back, Wokingham’s £45,900 and, for West Berkshire, £96,990 was recovered in the second quarter of last year.

Interviews have also been conducted to appoint another member of the team and a successful applicant is qualified for both financial investigations and confiscation.

Their background includes being a former police detective and working for the Home Office.