A major police offensive was announced last week that will tackle dodgy shops linked to organised crime. Rogue high street businesses will face raids, closures and cash seizures.

New police officers are being recruited across the country in an initiative that aims to build intelligence and have more dedicated officers tackling organised crime on the ground. Training will help operatives to identify suspicious businesses.

The National Crime Agency estimates that some £12 billion of criminal cash is generated each year in the UK, with £1 billion laundered through high street businesses like mini-marts, barber shops, vape stores and sweet shops. Some businesses are also involved in selling fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working and illegal drug supply.

Trading Standards is also set to receive an additional £6 million to bolster its response to sham businesses.

A new High Street Organised Crime Unit involving government departments, policing partners and Trading Standards is being set up to help identify what else is needed.

Business leaders have welcomed the initiative. Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “Local shops tell us that rogue traders on high streets are causing massive damage to their businesses and the wider community, so we strongly welcome this government action to back responsible retailers and crack down on the organised crime gangs that are fuelling illicit trade.”

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-high-street-unit-set-up-in-nationwide-blitz-on-dodgy-shops