ROGUES and conmen appear to have bypassed Swindon when it comes to peddling dangerous and counterfeit goods.

So far trading standards has not received any complaints about dodgy items, underage alcohol and cigarette sales or fake merchandise in the town during the December shopping frenzy.

Geoff Snowball, Swindon Council's trading standards team leader, said that the public were getting wise to the tricks of shoddy dealers.

He said: "The fact that we haven't received any complaints both after Christmas and in the lead up to the festive period suggests that people are thinking twice before buying so-called bargains.

"It seems these traders have also taken heed and realise that Swindon is not the soft touch it might have been a few years ago.

"The graph of complaints has slowly been going down over the years, but it is unusual that there have been no complaints. We certainly would expect a sprinkling.

Mr Snowball added that the team might receive calls once people return to work or as toys start breaking.

The Council's Public Protection Group sent out a Christmas Crackers warning the acronym spelling out dangers to watch out for over the festive period.

Counterfeit goods provide rich pickings for the pirates peddling them at Christmas.

Rotgut Bottles of fake Kirov vodka may contain high levels of methanol, which can cause poisoning, blindness, and even coma.

Airline taxes and other charges hidden in supposed "no frills" plane tickets.

Candles may be unsafe and pose dangers to homes.

Know what you are paying for credit and interest rates.

Every child loves a toy for Christmas but some may be dangerous.

Rich foods can cause allergic reactions if they are not correctly labelled.

Squat shops and street traders without a licence may sell dodgy merchandise.