Action taken against illegal goods and rogue businesses in Lowestoft and Beccles
Many residents have raised concerns with me about local shops which are possibly selling illegal and counterfeit goods.
I met recently with Suffolk Trading Standards to discuss this and it was good to see Trading Standards, local police, and Immigration Enforcement last week raid seven businesses in Lowestoft and Beccles to uncover illicit goods.
This is also an issue I have raised with Home Office ministers.
That is why it is great that the Government has this week announced £30 million in funding to tackle organised crime gangs exploiting our high streets through rogue businesses.
£1 billion a year of criminals’ cash is laundered through high street businesses and the Government’s new package will mean that more dodgy barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts, and sweet shops linked to organised crime will face raids, closures, and cash seizures.
What is in this new package?
£20 million for the National Crime Agency and the police to strengthen operational enforcement and intelligence capabilities
£900,000 for a new High Street Organised Crime Unit that brings together all relevant partners
£6 million for Trading Standards to boost inspections, enforcement, and officer training
£1.5 million for Immigration Enforcement
£1.35 million for HMRC enforcement work
If you have a concern about a shop selling illegal or counterfeit goods please report it here: