Fighting the crime gangs taking over the UK high streets | BBC News

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Along a one-mile stretch of road near the centre of Newport, south Wales, 19 shops have been shut down in the past nine months for selling illegal tobacco and vapes. Steve Hay, one of the Trading Standards team responsible for the closures, said it was shameful that this is happening. He believes that the sale of illegal goods is a crime causing deep problems in the community. Illegal cigarettes, tobacco and vape products were seized from 3,624 shops across England, Scotland and Wales in 2024-25, according to BBC Freedom of Information requests. The Home Office said that over 500 town centres are getting extra neighbourhood patrols and that these would have a major role in cracking down on the sale of illegal tobacco products.