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If you see a boxing machine – one that looks like it’s come from an arcade – or a 360-degree photo booth on the street in London, avoid it. Because these machines aren’t a harmless bit of fun for tourists, but in fact scams, looking to cheat innocent people out of their hard-earned cash.
Westminister City Council has issued a warning to illegal street traders, and has already handed out £70,000 in fines as part of a pre-Christmas crackdown on street scammers. The council said that during the festive period it is working to keep Londoners and tourists safe, and had sent out inspectors to secure fines and victim surcharges against illegal street traders.
Deputy Leader of the Council Aicha Less said she hopes the latest round of prosecutions ‘will serve as a warning to rogue traders trying to rip people off this Christmas.’
She added: ‘Westminster City Council has a zero-tolerance approach to breaking the law or trying to make a quick buck – we will catch you and we will prosecute you.
‘These results are a testament to the hard work of the City Inspectors, Environmental Health officers and others who work throughout the year to keep Westminster safe.’
So far, the council has brought five prosecutions against illegal street traders using 360-degree photobooths and boxing games, with fines totalling £6,187. All the photobooths and boxing machines have been seized.
Westminster Council’s inspectors have also been cracking down on rickshaw drivers that have been ripping off tourists. Fines totalling £14,000 were given to 12 pedicab drivers for dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour and overcharging for short journeys.
London is cracking down on pedicabs and rickshaws: everything you need to know.
London now officially has more 24-hour gyms than 24-hour clubs.
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