Two prosecuted in County Durham crackdown on 'scratchers'
North East tattoo lovers are being warned about the dangers of using unlicensed tatto artists.
Health protection officers in County Durham are rooting out unlicensed tattoo artists that could leave their customers scarred for life.
Three properties were raised by council officers, resulting in two people being prosecuted, with one accepting a caution.
Two other illegal operators voluntarily surrended their equipment.
Over 30 bags of equipment, including 15 tattoo machines and hundreds of needles were seized.
It's all part of Durham County Council's 'Catch a Scratcher', a term given to those tattooing without a license.
Receiving a tattoo from a scratcher could result in scarring, infections and blood borne infections like HIV.
Anthony Osbourne runs tattoo removal business Back to Blank in Chester-Le-Street.
He said: "I've seen people with infections, I've seen people with tattoos that six months later are still not healed.
"Low-quality inks are used and people can become allergic to those.
"I wholeheartedly support any council that actively discourages and prosecutes people for having illegal equipment.
"It's dangerous, you wouldn't get somebody to come and fix your boiler if they didn't have the right certification.
"People should be as prudent with tattoos."
Joanne Waller, Head of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection said: “Illegal tattooing carried out by ‘scratchers’ puts members of the public at an increased risk of catching infections or being scarred by poor tattooing practice.
“Unregistered tattooists are trading illegally and I strongly advise anyone who is thinking of getting a tattoo not to use these unregulated operators. We’d urge anyone with any concerns regarding any tattooist who is, or isn’t registered to contact us.”
Health protection manager Michael Yeodon said: "They're operating in their kitchens, in their bedrooms.
"They're setting up in their homes and using whatever areas they can.
"We've seen some very poor conditions, some very unhygenic practices and some poor premises.
"All of those things add to the risk of blood borne infection or localised infection."
Anyone with information on illegal tattooing should report it to the council’s Safety and Occupational Health Team on 03000 261016, emailing ehcp@durham.go.uk or by using ‘Report it’ on the council’s website.