A KINGSWINFORD scrap metal firm has been fined more than £4,000 after admitting to tampering with a weighing machine.

Bosses at Oak Lane based R Davies Metals & Sons were caught with a device attached to the weigh bridge which falsified readings, meaning the value of loads could be adjusted specified to customers.

The firm was caught out during a routine inspection by Dudley Council’s trading standards officers of the site in June 2014, which found weighing equipment had never been properly calibrated, which is illegal.

During the investigation officers also viewed CCTV coverage of the site which showed staff producing paperwork for goods weighed when nothing was on the weigh bridge.

Renney Davies, Julie Davies, Danny Davies and Adam Davies, all from the company, pleaded guilty to having unverified equipment at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on March 5.

Adam Davies, who was seen using the device on CCTV coverage, also pleaded guilty to the offence of using false or unjust equipment in addition to committing fraud by using the equipment.

Magistrates fined the company, together with the directors, £3,000 and ordered them to pay £1,400 costs.

Dudley Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “Our trading standards officers do everything they can to protect people from fraud and work closely with companies to ensure they uphold the law.

“However, where fraudulent activities are taking place we have no option but to prosecute and I hope this case sends out a clear message to any dishonest firm.”