Praised for work to tackle criminals

A council Trading Standards officer has been recognised for her outstanding efforts in tackling organised crime by The Anti-counterfeiting Group (ACG).

Anne- Marie Spalding received the prestigious Highly Commended Dave Hankinson Award for individual excellence in anti- counterfeiting enforcement. The awards were introduced in 1994 to recognise significant enforcement activity in the fight against counterfeiting.

Candidates are nominated by their peers and ACG members including more than 3,000 top brand owners who vote for their worthy winners.

North Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards team has been involved in a joint working initiative with South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland targeting intellectual property crime with more than £ 2.5 million worth of counterfeit goods being seized in Lanarkshire over the past five years, together with proceeds of crime applications in excess of £2.8 million.

Phil Lewis, Director General of ACG, said: “Anne- Marie has shown outstanding ability in her efforts to combat counterfeiting over the past six years.

“She has worked tirelessly to develop a joint partnership between North and South Lanarkshire Council’s Trading Standards Services and Police Scotland.

“Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to businesses and consumers. Anne-marie’s professionalism in helping to reduce this threat is a great example to enforcement officers across the UK.”

Phil was on hand to present AnneMarie with her award flanked by North Lanarkshire Council’s Executive Director Robert Steenson, Trading Standards officer Michelle Mckenna and Protective Services Manager Paul Bannister.

Mr Steenson, who sits on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce for Scotland (SOCT), was also full of praise for AnneMarie’s work.

He added: “Anne- Marie is such a dedicated and hard-working officer and as a council, we are really proud her efforts have been recognised by the ACG.

“Organised crime is a real and present danger in many communities and poses a significant threat to businesses and communities. These groups have no regard for the public and will attempt to make money from any source at any cost.

“The SOCT and its partner agencies will continue working to protect legitimate businesses and consumers.”

Honoured Anne Marie Spalding receiving her award from Phil Lewis of the ACG. Also pictured are Michelle Mckenna (Trading Standards officer), Robert Steenson (NLC Executive Director) and Paul Bannister (Protective Services Manager)