Seven shops in Lincolnshire have been closed for selling illegal tobacco and vapes after raids by police and trading standards.
The stores in Spalding, Crowland and Holbeach were all given closure orders "for the safety of the community" according to Lincolnshire Police.
Court orders were then granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, at:
- Stop n Shop, 24 Winsover Road, Spalding
- Nida, 13 Winsover Road, Spalding
- Global foods, 2 Winsover Road, Spalding
- Babany, 17 Winsover Road, Spalding
- Europe store, 46 Holbeach Road, Spalding
- Adams Mini Mart, 8 North Street Crowland
- Sweet and vape shop, 5 High Street, Holbeach
Inspector Matt Dickinson, South Holland Neighbourhood Policing, said: “The antisocial behaviour and criminality associated with these kinds of shops is not welcome in our county. Together, with our Trading Standards partners and other agencies, we are united in stamping out illegal tobacco and vape sales with unwavering force for the safety of our community here in Lincolnshire.”
Furthermore, addressing concerns about premises potentially reopening after closure orders expire, Andy Wright, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said, “These latest closures bring the total shops currently closed for selling illegal cigarettes and vapes in Spalding and the surrounding area to 13.
"Police and Trading Standards are currently working with premises landlords to provide a long-term solution once Closure Orders expire. Where there is any doubt whether the criminal activity will continue we will have no hesitation applying for Closure Extensions. We hope this will address community concerns about these premises re-opening.”
