The officers are also urging motorists to 'thoroughly check' the service history of any car they are thinking of buying.

This follows the service's successful prosecution of a Worthing used car dealer who was fined £2,000 after being found guilty by Worthing magistrates of clocking a Vauxhall Vectra.

John Reynolds, trading as Centrepoint Car Sales and Teville Motor Company, Teville Road, Worthing, was also ordered to pay the buyer of the car £500 compensation, along with £15 victim surcharge, plus £4,315 costs.

Trading standard officers were first tipped off by a motorist who was thinking of buying the car after seeing it advertised with 78,000 miles on the clock.

But, it was later revealed the vehicle had actually done more than 113,000 miles. The clocked vehicle was then sold to another consumer.

Richard Sargeant, of the trading standards service, said: "The service will not hesitate to take action to ensure both the public and legitimate businesses are protected.

"We would advise any member of the public who is considering buying a used car to thoroughly check the service history of the vehicle. This can be done by either contacting a main dealer or by paying a company, such as HPI Equifax, who are able to check a vehicle's history for you."

Cllr Peter Evans, county cabinet member for public protection, said: "Most secondhand car dealers operate in an honest manner.

"But we still find those who illegally sell vehicles that have had their mileage altered.

"As a result, consumers end up paying more than they should and could well find that the condition of the vehicle to be much worse than expected, possibly leading to further expense. This case should serve as a warning to any traders tempted to break the law that they could face being prosecuted and fined for their actions."

If anyone is concerned about a local trader or about a vehicle they have purchased they should contact trading standards, via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06


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