The Home Office has announced the creation of a new unit to target criminal gangs operating from “dodgy shops” on British high streets.
A new National Crime Agency cell, backed by £20 million, is tasked with coordinating a national response to issues arising from rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts, and sweet shops. The Home Office stated that 75 new police officers will be recruited nationwide to tackle these high-street gangs.
According to Trading Standards, up to half of convenience stores and vape retailers in certain areas may be linked to organised crime. Similarly, as many as one-third of American candy stores and one in four fast-food takeaways in some regions are suspected of being fronts for criminal activity.
A BBC investigation has revealed that people smugglers are directing migrants to pay for illegal Channel crossings through a network of UK-registered businesses, including high street shops.
Over the last decade, local authority Trading Standards services have experienced budget cuts of up to 50%, resulting in reduced staffing. Trading Standards has warned that these cuts, alongside reduced resources for other key enforcement agencies such as the police, have coincided with the rapid spread of dodgy shops across the UK.
Under the Home Office’s plans, Trading Standards will receive an additional £6 million in funding to train officers to identify suspicious businesses. Additionally, £1.5 million will be allocated to Immigration Enforcement, and £1.35 million will go to HMRC.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, “Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses. We are taking action with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize illicit cash, and drive organised crime off our streets, putting those responsible behind bars.”
The Home Office anticipates that thousands of businesses will be raided, hundreds of arrests will be made, and millions in cash will be seized as a result of this funding.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) welcomed the introduction of the new unit but urged the government to take measures to ensure the safety of its officers. Chief Executive John Herriman said, “CTSI welcomes the establishment of the High Street Organised Crime Unit. The proliferation of dodgy shops puts consumers at significant risk and undermines the legitimate businesses that drive economic growth across the UK.” He added that a recent report highlighted the challenges Trading Standards face and called for a review of enforcement powers, resources, and measures to protect officers so they can effectively combat organised criminality.
The government believes that this national intensification campaign will be made a permanent annual initiative to ensure coordinated enforcement across the country. However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the plans, stating that Labour’s actions have done more harm to high streets than 75 additional officers can rectify. He cited a decrease of 1,300 police officers, a spike in business rates, and anti-business legislation as issues. Philp claimed that crime and anti-social behaviour remain unacceptably high, causing daily alarm among citizens.
The Conservative Party proposes a plan to address these issues by adding 10,000 extra police officers, supported by £800 million. This plan aims to triple the use of stop-and-search tactics, roll out live facial recognition in the worst crime hotspots, and address the damage caused by Labour in recent years.
Leave a Comment