THURROCK Council officers have carried out an increasing number of covert surveillance operations on unsuspecting shop keepers, it has emerged.

The council used powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) for covert trading standards investigations in 2023/24 and while the number is relatively small, it is up from just one the previous year to three oiperations in the past year.

The council can use RIPA powers for a range of suspected crimes including benefit fraud but says the low numbers of RIPA authorisations used solely for trading standards investigations are a result of the council "utilising other forms of investigation due to its collaboration with the police and/or enforcement work being more overt rather than covert".

A report to the council's audit committee which met last week, added: "The council continues to work with partners across the public sector to ensure that Thurrock as an area is protected from crime."

At the meeting, Alex Anderson, Reform councillor for Stanford East and Corringham Town, welcomed the restrained use of RIPA powers. He said: "I don't like the idea of people being covertly watched and listened to, so the fact it's just a few people making some test purchases throughout the year is good."

Michael Dineen, Assistant Director for Investigation, Enforcement, Community Safety and Public Protection, said other legislation had lessened the need to use RIPA powers. He said: "As time has progressed there are other means now to gain that intelligence from different legislation such as money laundering legislation.

"You don't have to follow someone nowadays to figure out where they are spending their money, their phone can tell you."

The RIPA Act allows the council to undertake directed or covert surveillance, however it must be proportionate to the alleged crime, only be used as a last resort or if the potential crime would result in a prison sentence of at least six months.

During January 2024, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office carried out an inspection on the management and oversight of RIPA within Thurrock Council in January.

The report said: "The inspector was satisfied that the council's on-going compliance with the RIPA legislation will be maintained and there is no requirement for any further inspections this year. The next inspection will take place during 2027."