Closures of premises in Wirral due to criminal activities are ‘the tip of the iceberg’ as the Town Hall is urged to take more action on ‘fake’ shops on the high street.
In recent months, action by Home Office immigration officers, Merseyside Police and Wirral’s trading standards team has seen 20 premises, including vape shops and mini marts, closed.
This follows action las year when more than 53,000 illegal cigarettes worth £40,000 were seized and illegal vapes worth £10,000.
Now, ahead of a meeting on 20 July, two Wirral councillors are calling for more action to tackle the issue.
Councillor Jenny Johnson (Conservative, West Kirby & Thurstaston) chairs the council committee that oversees trading standards: “The links between organised crime and ‘fake’ shops on the High Street is well understood by professionals and the public alike.
“Our communities are exposed to associated criminality including anti-social behaviour, theft and violent crime, drug supply, modern slavery, and child sexual exploitation.
“I hope all councillors, regardless of party politics, will come together to help us combat this.”
Since January 2026 and responding to residents and councillors’ concerns, enforcement operations involving Wirral Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement and Merseyside Police have led to closure orders, including premises in Liscard, West Kirby, Heswall and Moreton.
Councillor Vida Wilson (Conservative, Moreton West & Saughall Massie) added: “While some long-established and respected businesses on our high streets are struggling, vape shops and mini marts appear to be thriving.
“As recent prosecutions have revealed, too often this is due to criminal behaviour and the shops are literally a ‘front’ for this.
“Too often, those behind them think they are above the law. They’re not – and increasingly authorities are coming for them, including those landlords who are turning a blind eye.
“Legitimate businesses have nothing to worry about from more action. It is those who are selling banned products, employing illegal immigrants or involved in tax fraud who will be targeted, prosecuted and, increasingly, convicted.”
You can report businesses engaging in illegal activity to your local police. There are two ways to do this: Visit www.Police.uk enter your postcode and contact your neighbourhood policing team OR call the 101 community police number
If you are aware of businesses selling non-duty paid tobacco or alcohol you should call the Fraud Hotline: 0800 788 887
