Tireless Halesowen sergeant praised by Trading Standards chief (From Halesowen News)

Tireless Halesowen sergeant praised by Trading Standards chief

4:18pm Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News

A HALESOWEN policeman who helped crack down on illegal immigrants and motorists using red deisel has been praised following his nomination in the force's Diamond Awards.

Sergeant Martin Hall, of Halesowen North neighbourhood team, was shortlisted for the working in partnership category - making it to the final ten candidates.

After narrowly missing out on the award, Sgt Hall was praised by Dudley's Trading Standards for his dedication in tackling rogue traders, illegal and dangerous drivers whilst also clamping down on off-licenses selling alcohol to underage teenagers across Halesowen.

By setting up Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations with organisations such as Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs and the Border Agency sgt Hall has found red diesel being used in vehicles, illegal immigrants and motorists driving without tax or insurance.

Dudley's Principle Trading Standards Officer Christopher King nominated Sgt Hall for the award highlighting the efforts and dedication of Sgt Hall and his team.

He said: "We really appreciate the time the Halesowen North team invest in joint partnership work to tackle local areas of concerns".

Sgt Martin Hall, who attended the awards ceremony, said: "Dudley Trading Standards work tirelessly to protect the good people of Dudley from unscrupulous traders.

"By working closely together, we have managed to secure prosecutions against criminals who may otherwise have slipped the net.

“Working closely with trading standards is a crucial part of our duties and will only strengthen in the future.”