Shops selling counterfeit tobacco and a flat used as a hub for drugs and anti-social behaviour have been shut down by police acting on community concerns in South Devon.
Closure orders for businesses in Teignmouth and Paignton, as well as a residential address in Brixham, were granted at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court this week.
JR Mini Market in Bank Street, Teignmouth must remain closed with shutters down for the next three months. This is in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco.
KA Mini Market in Hyde Road, Paignton has also been closed for the same period. This followed an operation which discovered counterfeit tobacco being sold at both respective premises. Devon & Cornwall Police officers work alongside Heart of the South West Trading Standards in relation to the sale of illegal and counterfeit tobacco.
The orders, which were granted at Newton Abbot Magistrates Court on Monday 23 February, may be extended if necessary.
The separate residential closure order relates to a flat in Fore Street, Brixham and is not linked to the shops. It follows a positive drugs warrant and numerous reports of anti-social behaviour at the address.
Inspector Pete Giesens, who works across Paignton and Brixham, explained: “We want the public to know that we do listen to their concerns and will take action. The local neighbourhood officers have been gathering evidence and preparing for the court hearings, in conjunction with our partners at Trading Standards. We received reports from the local communities about illegal activity at the shops in Paignton and Teignmouth, as well as anti-social behaviour and drug issues at the residential address in Brixham.
“We will not tolerate businesses choosing to profit from unlawful activity. Those who decide to trade illegally should expect robust action.”
Dolores Riordan, Operations Manager, Business Support at Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “Combatting the supply of illegal tobacco and vapes is a priority for us because far from being a victimless crime, the illegal tobacco trade makes it easier for children to start smoking, takes advantage of cash-strapped families, and helps fund low-level and large scale organised crime.
“By taking these products off the streets, we are able to help protect our communities as well as supporting those businesses on the high street that trade legally.”
The only access allowed at the closed premises is by the landlord and utilities, postal/delivery and emergency services. Police will be checking for any activity at the premises and anyone found inside can be arrested.
The investigation into the shops remains ongoing by Trading Standards.
If you wish to report illegal activity or anti-social behaviour in your community please visit the Force website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police
For more information about the work of Trading Standards and how they can support businesses click here Trading standards – Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay
