Three South Holland shops were given temporary closure orders after tip offs by members of the public they were selling illegal cigarettes and vapes, Trading Standards has said.
As previously reported, Nasza Biedronka in Sheep Market and Easy Shop in Station Street, Spalding plus Holbeach Market on that town’s High Street have been shut down for three months following court orders.
They and six more shops in Boston have been closed in the last few weeks following the joint operation between Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police.
One of the closures in Boston resulted in police having a foot chase after a male fled from the rear of a premises. He was detained following assistance from the town CCTV system.
Andy Wright, Principal Trading Standards Officer said, “The shop closures in Boston come after three similar closures in Spalding earlier this week.
“The closures were granted on the basis of criminal activity taking place on the premises. We’ve been working closely on this with Police, Community Cohesion, and Immigration Officers both in Boston and Spalding.
“The closures are as a direct response to concerns expressed by members of the public through the Police ‘Streetsafe’ initiative. Streetsafe allows members of the public to anonymously report areas in which they feel unsafe or vulnerable. I don’t think it is a coincidence that many of the illegal businesses forcibly closed are to be found within those areas.”
“It is our intention to ensure that future investment in these towns is made on the foundations of a law-abiding business community. We fully intend to step up actions over the next year.”
PC Amy Thorley from Lincolnshire Police said: “Illegal trading is only part of the problem which is often linked to other criminality across Lincolnshire and other force areas.
“We are aware that it is an identified problem, and one that we are committed to dealing with, through the use of closure orders and other legislation.
“We have a good working relationship with Trading Standards and have been working closely with them on this issue for some time. We intend to continue this work and will involve other suitable agencies to assist.”
Streetsafe Reports can be made on: https://www.lincs.police.uk/notices/street-safe/street-safe/ Or download the App. If you have information that may assist please report it on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
