Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, has backed new Government action to crack
down on organised crime gangs exploiting Britain’s high streets through rogue businesses.
The Government has announced a £30 million nationwide crackdown targeting dodgy barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops involved in money laundering.
These shops will face raids, closure orders and cash seizures as part of a new drive to clean up Britain’s high streets.
The measures include the creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate action between the National Crime Agency, police forces, Trading Standards, HMRC and Immigration Enforcement.
The Government will also recruit additional officers to strengthen enforcement activity in hotspot regions, while Trading Standards will receive a cash boost to increase raids, inspections and enforcement action.
The crackdown builds on Operation Machinize, which has already resulted in hundreds of arrests, thousands of premises visited and millions of pounds in criminal assets seized.
Emma Hardy MP said: “Local residents in Hull West and Haltemprice want to feel proud of our high streets. But sadly, the rise in rogue businesses has had a damaging impact across our communities, from Anlaby Road to Hessle Square.
“These places were once the heartbeat of local life and a source of real pride for residents. Today, many people feel they are no longer what they once were.
Honest local businesses are suffering too. They should not have to compete with organised criminals operating in plain sight and undercutting legitimate businesses.
For too long, criminal gangs have used rogue businesses to launder money, exploit workers and bring crime into our communities.
This crackdown sends a clear message: we are taking back our high streets, supporting genuine local businesses, and driving organised crime out of our communities.”