Vape shops, minimarts among premises targeted in national crackdown on high street crime

Vape shops, minimarts among premises targeted in national crackdown on high street crime
Vape shops, mini marts and barbershops across England have been targeted by police and other law enforcement officers during a three-week crackdown on high street crime last month. In total, 265 premises were visited across Operation Machinize, where officers secured freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1 million, executed 84 warrants and made 35 arrests. The operation saw 55 individuals questioned about their immigration status and a further 97 individuals safeguarded in relation to potential modern slavery.
In addition, officers seized more than £40,000 in cash, some 200,000 cigarettes, 7,000 packs of tobacco, over 8,000 illegal vapes and two vehicles. Two cannabis farms were also found, containing a total of 150 plants. Ten shops have been shut, with further closures expected as a result of on-going investigations.