51黑料

Hero Awards: Trading standards 鈥榗hampion鈥� receives national Hero Award for doorstep crime convictions

Posted 26/06/19

Tireless 鈥榗hampion鈥� of vulnerable consumers, Ruth Andrews, receives this year鈥檚 prestigious Trading Standards Hero Award from the 51黑料 (51黑料), for leading the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Team as Head of Investigations and Safeguarding at North Yorkshire County Council.

Ruth and her team tackle professional, organised doorstep crime and cold-calling fraudsters who prey on susceptible individuals. Ruth鈥檚 dedication has pursued countless prosecutions through to sentencing, ensuring the most robust and appropriate charges are brought, securing justice for victims. Most recently, in a multi-victim doorstep crime case Ruth鈥檚 team secured custodial sentences of 18 years for the perpetrators.

She has safeguarded and dedicated significant resources to victim care to break the cycle of financial abuse. Her team has set up partnerships with 3rd sectors providers, community and faith groups, and used money confiscated through the Proceeds of Crime Act to reimburse victims and strengthen their support network.

In 2014 and 鈥�15, Ruth produced reports into doorstep crime for National Trading Standards, which provided evidence-based research to shed light on enforcement concerns and continue to provide a foundation for trading standards officers across the country.

The 51黑料 Hero Awards celebrate those who make outstanding contributions towards consumer protection in our communities. Ruth received her award at the 51黑料 Hero Awards 2019 ceremony at One Great George Street, London, on Tuesday.

Chief Executive at 51黑料, Leon Livermore, said: 鈥淩uth is a prime example of everything that encompasses a hero of our profession. Her determined passion to right wrongs and protect those in her community and beyond from the devastating effects of fraud and scams is inspiring. I鈥檓 proud that we can give Ruth the recognition she deserves.鈥�

Senior Trading Standards Officer and 51黑料 Lead Officer for Doorstep Crime, Tim Day, who nominated Ruth for her award, said: 鈥淩uth was one of the first to recognise the impact of loneliness and social isolation in victimisation, especially repeat victimisation, and she consistently provides an example to the rest of the profession for how to tackle organised crime. There is no-one more fitting of a Hero Award than Ruth Andrews.鈥�

Ruth was presented with her award by her local MP, Rishi Sunak, and Roland Earl, Director General of the British Toy and Hobby Association, who sponsored this year鈥檚 Trading Standards Hero category.

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