Six people have been arrested and over 1,400 illegal vapes seized in raids across Cumbria.
Cumbria police, Immigration Compliance and Enforcement and Westmorland and Furness Council Trading Standards carried out two operations this week to target high street crime.
On Tuesday May 19, officers and partners carried out an operation in Barrow where a number of high street shops including mini-marts, car washes and nail shops were visited.
Trading Standards carryied out enforcement activity around illegal sales of tobacco and vapes and immigration officers carrying out checks for outstanding immigration offences, illegal working and modern-day slavery risks.
Cumbria police said 1,442 vapes were seized by Westmorland and Furness Council’s Trading Standards team as part of the operation which breached the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
Four arrests were made during the operation in Barrow in relation to breach of bail conditions.
On Wednesday May 20, police and immigration officers targeted businesses in Workington, including shops and barbers, and made two arrests in relation to immigration offences.
Officer also seized a substantial amount of vapes and cigarettes as well as counterfeit clothes, Cumbria police said.
Detective Inspector Sam Johnson, of Cumbria police, said: “As a result of this week’s work, a number of arrests have been made and a significant amount of illicit goods have been recovered, which will have a major impact on those seeking to benefit from criminal activity in Cumbria.
“A multi-agency approach during operations such as this is key to tackling these issues.
“Working alongside our partners in Trading Standards and Immigration, we are targeting those criminally exploiting our high streets and communities.
“We remain committed to identifying those involved.
“Not only are illegal vapes a significant health concern, but those supplying them are breaching the law, which could lead to penalties such as imprisonment and substantial fines.
“Businesses selling such goods are also linked to serious organised crime, the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and are associated with wider issues such as violence and anti-social behaviour.
“Illegal workers are frequently paid less than those working legitimately. This not only undermines opportunities for others, but also puts these people at risk of exploitation from employers.
“We hope the results of this operation reassure residents in Cumbria that we are actively targeting this type of criminality. We would encourage anyone with information about businesses in their area selling illicit goods to get in touch online, via 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”
Catherine Hornby, Trading Standards manager for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Seizing 1,442 non-compliant vapes is a significant result and highlights our commitment to protecting our communities and supporting legitimate businesses across Westmorland and Furness.
“The products failed to comply with safety regulations applying to vapes and could pose risks to consumer safety.
“This successful operation, carried out alongside Cumbria police and immigration enforcement, was supported by valuable intelligence from the public and sends a clear message that the sale of illegal tobacco and vape products will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to take robust enforcement action against illicit goods and encourage residents to ensure products are legitimate before purchasing.”
Anyone with concerns or information about the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes is encouraged to report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Chief Immigration Officer Josh Johns said: “These arrests demonstrate the vital ongoing joint action between Immigration Enforcement, Cumbria police and Trading Standards. I want to thank my officers who were involved in these visits.
“Alongside the new High Street Organised Crime Unit, we are cracking down on stores who are hiring illegal workers and undercutting honest, British businesses. Shops in the North West who are flouting our laws can be in no doubt we will be knocking on your door next.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I’m pleased to see partner organisations coming together to tackle illegal sales and immigration offences across the county.
“The results of this operation really highlight that shared intelligence, public reporting and working together can make a big difference in our communities.
“There are strict regulations around vapes and tobacco for a reason: they are harmful products and if they are not regulated correctly, it can cause a lot of damage health wise to our residents and take business away from law-abiding business owners.
“Don’t think that these crimes are low level, they are usually run by or linked to serious organised crime, which in turn is linked to modern slavery, child exploitation and drug trafficking.
“It takes a community effort to reduce crime in our county, so please help us protect Cumbria.”
