Six arrests have been made in a crackdown on illegal immigration and other offences in Penrith.
Cumbria police’s Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards and Immigration, carried out the operation on Thursday.
They targeted a number of businesses in the area, carrying out enforcement activity relating to the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes and underage use.
Immigration officers carried out checks at all premises visited for any outstanding immigration offences, illegal workers and modern-day slavery risks.
Seven premises, including mini markets, barbers, and beauty salons, were visited as part of the operation.
Six arrests were made during the operation – three for immigration offences, one for a drugs offence and a further two men for offences under the Modern Day Slavery Act.
Officers also seized one vehicle.
Vapes and tobacco were seized by Trading Standards officers at two of the locations.
Immigration enforcement also served two Civil Penalty Referral notices on two businesses suspected of employing illegal workers.
Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team said said: “This operation supports the wider work of the Safer Streets Campaign, maximising public safety.
“As part of the operation, we were supported by colleagues from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service who carried out a number of protection checks to ensure that buildings meet fire safety standards and protect lives in the event of a fire.
“Further investigations are being carried out in relation to those arrested for offences.
“I hope that the results from this operation will provide reassurance to Penrith residents that we are actively targeting this type of criminality.”
Josh Johns, chief immigration officer for North West Immigration Compliance and Enforcement team, said: “Operations like this are vital to ensuring that businesses are operating legally and ethically, and we are working tirelessly to identify and address immigration offences across our communities, with operations and arrests up by 50%.
“We remain committed to working alongside our police partners to uphold the integrity of the immigration system and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.”
