Crackdown on ‘dodgy shops’ involved in money laundering is welcomed
Government announces a crackdown on ‘dodgy shops’ involved in money laundering
A major new offensive targeting organised crime has been welcomed which will target dodgy barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops involved in money laundering.
The Home Office has announced a £30 million crackdown with dodgy shops facing raids, closure orders and cash seizures as part of a new drive to ‘clean up Britain’s high streets’. This includes the establishment of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate action across policing, Trading Standards and government departments.
Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, is among those who have welcomed the action including the recruitment of additional officers, while Trading Standards will receive a cash boost to increase raids, inspections and enforcement action.
It follows the MP's campaign, with fellow Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, to tackle ‘dodgy shops’ on local high streets, with a number raided by Trading Standards as part of action already taken.
She said: “People want to feel safe and proud of their local high streets, and honest businesses should not be undercut by organised criminals operating in plain sight.
“For too long, criminal gangs have used rogue businesses to launder money, exploit workers and bring crime into our communities.
“This crackdown sends a clear message that we are taking back our high streets, backing local businesses and driving organised crime out of our communities.”
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, added: “For too long, rogue traders haven taken advantage of loopholes and weak enforcement in our city. With this new crackdown, the Government is getting on with the job of protecting Portsmouth’s high streets.
“Dodgy shops have not only damaged the reputation of our shopping streets but also driven away families and shoppers. Portsmouth’s shopping areas should not be overrun by fake shops and for criminal activity and should instead be vibrant places for families and communities.
“Today’s announcement is a campaign win for Portsmouth people and marks a major step forward that will reassure those who have given their support to this priority for our community. However, our work is not done.
“That’s why I will continue to take action working alongside others to crack down on rogue traders and protect our city’s shopping streets”.
Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, welcomed the measures to “tackle this head on”.
He said: “Independent retailers now face three distinct forms of retail crime - abuse of staff, theft, and the growing threat of illicit traders operating in their communities. Of these, we believe illicit trading may be the greatest long-term threat to local shops and the high streets they anchor. These criminal businesses undercut legitimate retailers, damage communities, and erode the trust that independent shops depend on.
“Honest independent retailers play by the rules, pay their taxes and invest in their communities. They cannot and should not have to compete with businesses that exist to launder money and evade their obligations. This crackdown sends the right message and we will support its delivery wherever we can.”
The National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1 billion is laundered through high street businesses each year. The most recent phase of the most recent crackdown Operation Machinize, in November, saw over 2,700 premises visited, more than 920 individuals arrested, and over £13 million in suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The New High Street Organised Crime Unit will be welcome news for people across the country. Illegitimate businesses and retail theft are major issues and too often linked to criminal gang activity. Stolen goods are commonly funnelled through illicit supply chains and resold through unscrupulous businesses, helping fund further criminality. This harms businesses, puts colleagues at risk, and pushes up prices for honest shoppers.
“Tackling it requires prioritisation from police and government, and co-ordination and intelligence sharing between retailers, law enforcement, and local partners. We look forward to working together to deliver real progress.”
Ed Woodall, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, 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 the illicit trade.”
To add your name to 'Amanda's Dodgy Shop Campaign' head here: https://amandamartin.org.uk/back-our-high-streets-stop-dodgy-shops-campaign/