Furness Neighbourhood Policing Team, alongside partners from Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HMRC, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Westmorland and Furness Council, made four arrests and seized a number of illicit goods during a large-scale operation in Furness on Tuesday 28 July.
The activity involved agencies targeting a number of businesses across the area and carrying out enforcement action relating to the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes, including the use of a tobacco detection dog.
Immigration officers conducted checks at all premises visited for outstanding immigration offences, illegal working and indicators of modern slavery.
HMRC officers also carried out financial checks, including the examination of till records.
A number of premises in Barrow were visited as part of the operation.
Three arrests were made in Barrow, including two people arrested on suspicion of trademark offences and one man on suspicion of illegal working.
Trading Standards officers seized a quantity of illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco in three of the premises visited.
A further visit was carried out at a vape shop in Ulverston, where a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of multiple offences, including trademark and drugs offences.
In addition to the arrests, officers spoke with a number of employees during the visits, with a focus on identifying and safeguarding anyone who may be vulnerable to exploitation.
The Constabulary is committed to providing visible and effective neighbourhood policing to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. Officers and staff will continue to carry out activity such as this to protect communities and keep people safe.
Sergeant Jack Hart, Furness NPT said:
“This week’s operation has led to a number of arrests and the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit goods, disrupting those involved in criminal activity and helping to protect our communities.
“Operations like this demonstrate the value of working closely with partner agencies. Alongside Trading Standards, HMRC, the council and Immigration Enforcement, we are committed to tackling those who exploit our high streets and profit from illegal activity.
“The sale of illegal vapes presents a serious risk to public health, and those responsible can face significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
“The sale of illicit goods is often linked to wider criminality, including organised crime, the exploitation of vulnerable people, violence and anti-social behaviour.
“We hope the outcome of this operation provides reassurance to residents that we are taking robust action against those involved in this type of offending.
“Anyone with information about businesses selling illicit goods is encouraged to report it online, via 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”
A Westmorland and Furness Trading Standards Spokesperson said:
“The sale of counterfeit tobacco undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the public purse of revenue, and poses a risk to consumers, as these products are manufactured outside regulated supply chains with no guarantees as to their contents or safety.
“We will continue to act on intelligence and target businesses involved in the sale of illicit tobacco products. We would encourage anyone with information about the sale of counterfeit or illegal tobacco to report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133, online at www.adviceguide.org.uk, or anonymously through the Keep It Out reporting service.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said:
“I’m pleased to see partner organisations coming together to tackle illegal sales, financial crime and immigration offences.
“The results of this operation really highlight that working together can make a big difference in our communities. We all have a part to play to keep our towns safe and protect one another from harm.
“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, both to our health and to local businesses.
“Tackling modern slavery is also vital. Slavery is something that is associated with the past, but it’s still ongoing and often closer to home than you’d think. Signs include looking malnourished or unhygienic, reluctant to speak to others, working long hours, and showing fear of their employer.
“If these signs sound familiar, please report to Cumbria Police on 101, 999 in an emergency, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
“It takes a community effort to reduce crime in our county, so please help us protect Cumbria.”