Research reveals UK hotspots for illicit high street trade

New research by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) has revealed the UK’s main hot spot areas where dodgy high street shops are concentrated.

The report, Hidden in Plain Sight: Tackling Crime on the UK’s High Streets, calls on the Government to urgently invest in enforcement capabilities to give them the powers and resources they need to tackle the issue.

The link between illicit trade and Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) was also highlighted with a CTSI survey finding that in some areas, as many as half of mini-marts, convenience stores and vape retailers estimated to have links with organised crime. The survey, which was carried out among Trading Standards professionals also found that 96% said that they had encountered SOC or organised crime groups (OCGs) within their duties, and 97% were aware of suspected OCGs operating out of retail premises on their local high streets.

Shockingly, almost three-quarters (72%) of Trading Standards professionals said that they had experienced intimidatory behaviour or had been threatened with violence in the course of their duties.

The report sets out a 10-point plan for ‘reclaiming the high streets’, this includes investing in Trading Standards; a stronger cross-agency partnership approach; support for the Accredited Financial Investigators and the Proceeds of Crime Act; strengthening Closure Order powers and a ‘carrot and stick’ approach to landlords.

CTSI chief executive John Herriman 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.

“We recognise that the Government is focussed on this issue, but it must urgently bring together and properly invest in enforcement agencies – including Local Authority Trading Standards – to give us the powers and resources needed to tackle what is a widespread and growing national problem.”

Deputy Director-General at ACG, Chloe Long, added: “We strongly support the vital work of Trading Standards and are increasingly concerned by the sustained decline in resourcing over recent years. Across the country, highly committed officers and teams are ready to partner with us and our members to tackle counterfeiting on the high street, yet their efforts are too often constrained by limited capacity.

“At the same time, counterfeiting has become increasingly sophisticated and deeply embedded within serious organised crime networks. Addressing this growing threat is essential to protect consumers, legitimate businesses and local communities, and requires renewed investment and strengthened resources. Our recommended ten-point plan sets out clear, practical measures to empower Trading Standards teams to deliver effective, intelligence-led enforcement - helping to restore confidence in UK high streets and support sustainable economic growth.”