Wrexham Man Arrested Following Allegations of Illegally Tattooing Children

Wrexham County Borough Council and North Wales Police are warning of the dangers posed by illegal tattooists, or ‘scratchers’ as they are known in the trade.

A joint investigation was launched with Environmental Health Officers from the Council working in partnership with North Wales Police officers in the Harm Reduction Unit. North Wales Police arrested a man on 22 June 2015 with items and equipment seized from his home.

It is illegal to tattoo a person under 18 (even if the individual or a parent/guardian consents).

North Wales Police and Council Officers have key roles in ensuring the safeguarding of children. Any such allegations are treated seriously.

All legal tattoo artists must be registered with the Council and follow hygiene bylaws. They must display their Certificate of Registration at their premises.

Anyone considering a tattoo should choose one of the registered, regulated artists who are also required to ensure that the person they are tattooing is over the age of 18 and will ask clients for proof of age.

Young people and adults are urged not to get inked by a scratcher as their standards are invariably poor which can pose serious risks to health including Hepatitis, HIV, bacterial skin infections, blood poisoning and scarring. Poor quality tattoos are also difficult and expensive to remove.

As well as the potentially serious health implications, scratchers damage the trade of the many registered tattoo businesses that work hard to comply with the law.

Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection, Cllr David Kelly, said: ‘Officers of the Council will continue to work with colleagues in the police and other agencies to identify illegal tattooists. Together we will take action to protect public health and safeguard children from harm. I would like to thank everyone involved with this arrest.”

Sgt Andy Jones is appealing to anyone who may know of any children under 18 who may have been tattooed to contact police. He said;

“The message to parents, those working in tattoo parlours and rogue tattooists operating without a licence, is that any complaint made to the police will be followed up.”

Anyone with information about illegal, unregistered tattooists is asked to contact Wrexham County Borough Council via their website or via email / phone. Full details can be found on the Wrexham Council website.

Anyone with information about underage tattooing is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101· Those who have had a tattoo in the past from an unregistered tattooist and is concerned should contact their GP for medical advice.