A team from Staffordshire County Council has picked up an award for its commitment to working in partnership with the police.

The fraud and special investigations team, which is part of trading standards, has been recognised for demonstrating its commitment to working with colleagues in police officers to tackle rogue traders, doorstep crime and counterfeiting throughout the county.

The team attended the Staffordshire Criminal Justice Awards ceremony at the Moat House, Acton Trussell, where members received the partnership of the year award. Staff have worked on both national and regional initiatives such as Rogue Trader Day, traffic stops and Operation Mimic – a local operation combating counterfeiting at Staffordshire car boot sales and markets.

The team’s work in combating ticket touts, counterfeiters and traders who flock to Staffordshire for the annual V Festival was also recognised.

In addition to this the team has reduced the number of doorstep crimes and rogue trader activities, saving consumers more than £30,000 by effective intervention in reported incidents. Councillor Ben Adams, the council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “It is excellent news that the partnership work of the fraud and special investigations team has been recognised.

“It has successfully demonstrated that working in this way to target criminals in Staffordshire is very effective and makes a real different to local people’s lives, helping them to feel safer.

“It is important that we let Staffordshire residents know about the work we’re doing so that they are aware of the steps they can take to protect themselves and others from rogue traders.”