Doncaster MP Ed Miliband backs new crackdown on organised crime on our high streets
Doncaster MP Ed Miliband backs new crackdown on organised crime on our high streets
Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, 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.
Mr Miliband MP said: “Local businesses and residents deserve high streets they can be proud of. People want to feel safe and proud of their local high streets, and honest businesses should not be undercut by those who flout the law.
“The government is taking action to root out criminal activity on our high streets, and is working to help regenerate our high streets across Doncaster.
“This crackdown sends a clear message that we are taking back our high streets, backing local businesses and driving organised crime out of our communities.”