Crackdown on Organised Crime on Our High Streets

I am backing new Government action to crack down on organised crime gangs exploiting Britain’s high streets through rogue businesses.

Too many communities, including Stockport, have seen concerns grow about businesses being used as fronts for criminal activity, including money laundering, worker exploitation and organised crime. That is why the Labour Government has announced a £30 million nationwide crackdown targeting rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops linked to criminal networks.

Under new measures, these businesses will face raids, closure orders and cash seizures as part of a major drive to clean up our high streets and restore confidence in local communities. 

A new High Street Organised Crime Unit will coordinate action between the National Crime Agency, police forces, Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration Enforcement to ensure tougher and more effective enforcement. The Government is also recruiting additional officers to strengthen activity in hotspot areas, while Trading Standards will receive extra funding to increase inspections, raids and enforcement action.

This builds on the success of Operation Machinize, which has already resulted in hundreds of arrests, thousands of premises visited and millions of pounds worth of criminal assets seized.

People deserve 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, supporting legitimate local businesses and driving organised crime out of our communities.