Illegal tobacco seized from Scarborough shops

Counterfeit cigarettes were found by officers from Scarborough’s Community Impact Team during raids conducted on Friday (10).

Two of the businesses where illegal tobacco products were found are now under investigation.

Scarborough’s Community Impact Team was joined by North Yorkshire County Council Trading Standards’ Illicit Tobacco team following previous successful joint visits.

Using community intelligence, they attended premises which have been linked to the sale of counterfeit or illegal tobacco products and those who are potentially selling products to children.

The counterfeit and illegal tobacco is completely unregulated, and some items are not fire safe. Unlike regulated products, they do not extinguish by themselves if left unattended. This makes them much more likely to cause a fire. Unregulated tobaccos may also contain products which are not fit for consumption, stated North Yorkshire police.

PC Phillip Coyne, currently attached to the Community Impact Team, said that these visits are great example of multi-agency work in Scarborough with partners coming together to ensure that all parts of investigation, safeguarding and education are carried out effectively.”

Scarborough Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Rebecca Lalor thanked the community for providing vital information about some local businesses which allows us to pursue these multi-agency visits alongside Trading Standards.

“I encourage residents to talk to and share your concerns with our Police Community Support Officers, Police Officers and the Community Safety Officers. We will act on this information to effectively disrupt, deter and stop the illegal selling of products in our town. With this engagement and intelligence, we can all help to protect reputable businesses and the community we serve,” Lalor said.