Cheshire Police are working with Cheshire East Council and other agencies to crackdown on shops selling fake cigarettes and vapes, the county’s crime commissioner has said.
PCC Dan Price’s comments came after Cllr Sam Naylor said the growing number of small shops selling these fake products is a major concern for people in Northwich.
“It’s my role as a councillor to listen to members of the public, and it’s a big issue for members of the public, these outlets,” Cllr Naylor told the Cheshire Police and Crime Panel.
“So, I’ve been asking for a multi-agency approach to address the issue.
“This week, action was taken in Northwich, a large amount of illegal cigarettes, vapes have been seized…
“This is happening in Northwich.
“Has the Chief [Constable] got an over-arching strategy, which means that police officers are working with council officers and other agencies in tackling this issue across all the authorities – Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton and Warrington?”
Mr Price replied: “I can give you reassurance that the constabulary definitely has that multi-agency approach and it is happening all over the county.
“I can think of a number of very high-profile operations that have been carried out in the last three months, for instance, right across the county.”
(Story by Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter)
if suddenly the town centre is changing, you really have to question why? has anyone actually seen customers in these shops,?
I have passed many of them in the last year, and not once was there anyone inside, totally weird you have to ask why?
just who needs any of these items when they can be bought at a supermarket probably cheaper.
so given the market is niche, rents can be anything from £15k upwards, business rates, staff, stock and overheads, just how is the money made?
you have to ask more questions before shops are rented, because this is a business model rolled out nation wide, WHY??!!