A new report from Trading Standards has revealed that as many as half of convenience stores and vape retailers in certain areas are suspected of having links to organised crime. The 'Hidden In Plain Sight' report also estimates that up to a third of American candy stores and one in four fast food takeaways in specific locations may be operating as fronts for criminal activities.
Widespread Criminal Influence on High Streets
A survey conducted by Trading Standards found that 97% of its officers are aware of suspected organised crime groups (OCGs) operating out of retail premises on local high streets. Furthermore, 99% of officers reported an increase in the number of cash-intensive businesses opening since 2020, indicating a growing trend.
The report highlights that almost three-quarters (72%) of Trading Standards professionals have experienced intimidatory behaviour or been threatened with violence while carrying out their duties. This underscores the risks faced by enforcement officers tackling these issues.
Hotspots and Resource Challenges
Trading Standards has published a map identifying so-called 'dodgy shops' across the UK, with Birmingham, Liverpool, and London ranked as the top three hotspots for OCG activity. The organisation warns that budgets for Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) services have been cut by up to 50% over the past decade, leaving staffing at minimal levels.
These funding cuts, combined with resource challenges for other enforcement agencies such as the police, have coincided with the rapid proliferation of illicit shops and the complex criminal networks supporting them, according to the report.
Impact on Public Safety and Legitimate Businesses
The report states that dodgy shops have a 'profound impact' on public safety and the viability of legitimate businesses. They also put consumers, including children, at risk through the sale of unsafe or illegal goods. Associated criminality includes anti-social behaviour, theft, violent crime, drug supply, modern slavery, and child sexual exploitation.
Ten-Point Plan to Reclaim High Streets
To address the issue, Trading Standards has proposed a 10-point plan to 'reclaim the UK's high streets'. Key recommendations include investing in Trading Standards, making the sale of illegal goods a trigger for licence reviews, and providing an additional £20 million to bolster resources at ports and borders.
John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: 'It is clear from this research that serious and organised crime is endemic across the UK, and the threat posed by illegitimate high street businesses is having a significant impact on the work of Trading Standards, and our ability to protect consumers and maintain the level playing field for legitimate business.'
Ed Woodall, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, commented: 'Responsible convenience retailers are extremely frustrated with rogue traders operating with impunity in their local area. 85% of retailers asked in our 2026 Crime Survey said that illicit trading has increased in their local area – this cannot be allowed to continue.'
Gillian Golden, chief executive of the Independent British Vape Trade Association, added: 'We commend CTSI and the ACG for putting together this report and fully endorse their 10-point plan. The media often conflate organised criminal networks with law-abiding vape businesses, when in fact these criminals just see illicit vapes as a commodity.'
