ACS welcomed new Government action to strengthen enforcement against rogue traders and organised crime operating on high streets across the country. 

The Home Office has set out new measures to back responsible retailers, including a £30m package to tackle criminal activity linked to high street businesses.

The initiative will support responsible retailers by targeting rogue barber shops, vapes stores, mini markets and other disreputable shops, alongside the creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate action between enforcement agencies, government departments and Trading Standards. 

The measures will increase enforcement activity on the ground, including £6m additional Trading Standards funding to enable officers to investigate and act against rogue businesses, as well as enhance police resources in hotspot areas. 

This will help create a more level playing field for responsible retailers by ensuring that those operating outside of the law are identified and removed from the high street.

ACS chief executive Ed Woodall said: “Local shops tell us that rogue traders on high streets are causing massive damage to their businesses and the wider community, so we strongly welcome this Government action to back responsible retailers and crack down on the organised crime gangs that are fuelling the illicit trade.” 

 Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses. We are hitting back with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize dirty cash and drive organised crime off our high streets and put bosses behind bars.”