Trading Standards body urges stronger enforcement powers to tackle organised crime on high streets

In its report, Hidden in Plain Sight, the membership organisation for the trading standards profession said that the problem of "shady business practices and criminal activities" on the country's high streets is "now such that it really does pose a serious national threat to our economy and wider society".

High-street crime typically involves the sale of counterfeit products, including cigarettes and vapes.

However, the report warned that organised crime groups are increasingly professionalising and expanding their reach beyond selling goods, with some operating in large international criminal networks with extensive shadow supply chains, warehousing and logistics.

The CTSI’s report set out a 10-point plan to tackle organised crime, which included calls for stronger enforcement powers, increased investment in trading standards services, and greater use of financial investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Among the recommendations was a proposal to strengthen closure order powers to increase the maximum duration of Closure Orders to twelve months, with an option of permanent closure for persistent offenders.

It also called for all local authorities in England and Wales – including county councils in two-tier areas – to be given explicit powers to apply for Closure Orders for persistently offending shops, alongside increasing the duration of Closure Notices from 48 hours to seven days.

Elsewhere, the report called for a review of the current system in England and Wales whereby criminal prosecutions by Local Authority Trading Standards are funded by local authorities, to address the cost pressures in bringing criminals to justice.

Other measures included improved intelligence sharing between enforcement agencies, and a “carrot and stick” approach for landlords leasing premises to rogue operators.

The CTSI said organised crime groups were increasingly exploiting vacant retail units and cash-based businesses on struggling high streets, often using apparently legitimate premises to conceal criminal activity.

According to the report, 97% of Trading Standards professionals surveyed said they were aware of organised crime operating through high street businesses in their local areas.

The report identified convenience stores, vape shops, fast-food takeaways and “American candy” stores among the businesses most commonly linked to illicit activity.

John Herriman, chief executive of the CTSI, said: “There is increasing evidence that highlights the links between illegal activities, such as counterfeiting, with other insidious criminal activities - including child sexual exploitation, modern slavery, human trafficking, and drug and weapons supply.

“Dodgy shops” also threaten the level playing field for businesses as they are often capable of undercutting legitimate law-abiding businesses. This directly deprives the Exchequer of taxes to fund "vital public services, which in turn damages local communities.”

He added: “It is vital that this threat is comprehensively addressed to boost economic growth, safeguard consumers, and protect the UK’s national security.”

Adam Carey