Police closing the net as fake fishmongers trawl city

Published on 13/11/2007 11:58

FAKE fishmongers are continuing to operate in Edinburgh, targeting residents in Newington and Fairmilehead in the past week, according to Trading Standards.

Police are working with council officials to trace the men, who are believed to be operating without a licence.

The Evening News drew attention to the fake fish salesmen nearly two weeks ago, but they appear to have continued their charade.

The men are selling fish pre-packed in polystyrene and wrapped in cling film, which does not meet even the minimum labelling requirements. In some cases it is thought they have sold Vietnamese catfish as monkfish fillets.

In the latest reports, which both came into the council late last week, a person in Newington paid 90 for fish, while another paid almost 400 to the individuals.

It is believed that they are using high-pressure selling techniques, with up to three of them approaching a single customer at the same time and pressuring them.

They are believed to be trading from a white van with "Sarrillion" printed on the side, and are thought to have carried out the same scam last year.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the council's environment leader, said: "I would appeal to the public to be on the look out for these individuals and the vehicle."

Anyone who sees the men should call the council's food safety officers on 0131-529 3030.