Six Wirral premises targeted in crackdown on illegal vape and tobacco sales

Officers working to tackle serious and organised crime in Wirral have taken part in a multi-agency operation targeting vape and convenience stores across the borough.

The intelligence-led enforcement operation took place on Tuesday 27 January and involved partners from Wirral Trading Standards, British Gas, Immigration Enforcement and a specialist detection dog team. Officers visited a number of premises in Liscard, Birkenhead, Pensby and West Kirby.

The operation aimed to disrupt the supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products. In total, six premises were inspected, resulting in the seizure of approximately 10,500 illegal cigarettes and several vape pods that were not in their original packaging or did not meet UK regulatory requirements. Additional vape products and food items were also removed after being found without the correct UK labelling.

At one premises, officers discovered the illegal abstraction of electricity, which led to the business being immediately disconnected.

Wirral Sergeant Peter Hanson said: “These convenience vape shops are becoming increasingly popular and, while some specialist vape retailers operate legitimately, others are breaching licensing conditions by selling illegal vapes, counterfeit cigarettes, and unregulated food and drink.

“We are particularly concerned about the increasing number of young people taking up vaping. These products must be properly regulated and clearly labelled in English, so consumers can make informed decisions and young people are not put at risk.

“Where there is no label and products are unregulated, customers cannot be sure what harmful substances and chemicals could be in the cigarettes and vapes. We simply will not allow offenders to risk the health of adults and young people in our communities by selling these products.

“Regular joint enforcement days like this are proven to make a difference. By continuing to work closely with our partner agencies, we can take coordinated action against illegal activity and help ensure our communities across Merseyside remain safe and protected.”

Cllr Ann Ainsworth, Vice-Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee for Wirral Council, said: "This is another example of the council working with the partner agencies such as the police to make a difference in the community – in this case using information and intelligence to target retailers operating illegally.

“Criminal activity has consequences for communities and affects the quality of life of residents. With things like illicit tobacco and vapes, sales of these undermine legitimate retailers, help fund wider criminal activity and, significantly, cause harm to people’s health.

“I would urge anyone with concerns about the sales of illegal tobacco and vaping products, including underage sales to children, to report their concerns to Trading Standards or the police - operations such as this demonstrate that it will be acted upon."

Anyone with any information about crime in their area is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.