MP Gareth Snell backs new crackdown on organised crime on our high streets

MP Gareth Snell backs new crackdown on organised crime on our high streets

Labour and Co-operative MP Gareth Snell 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 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.

Gareth said: “People want to feel safe and proud of their high streets, and decent businesses should not be undercut by criminals operating in plain sight.

“For too long, organised gangs have used rogue businesses to launder money, exploit workers and bring crime into our neighbourhoods. This crackdown shows we are taking back our high streets, backing local businesses and driving organised crime out.”