Five people working illegally were discovered during an operation to tackle exploitation in Lancaster.
The businesses concerned have been issued with fines totalling £235,000, and thousands of pounds of tobacco and vapes were also seized as part of an operation.
Last week Lancaster Police’s Exploitation Team, along with Immigration and Trading Standards, visited five premises in the Lancaster and Morecambe area as part of an exploitation operation.
They targeted premises such as takeaways, mini markets and barbers, who were thought to be either using illegal workers to staff their businesses, housing workers in premises that are not suitable to be resided in, or thought to be involved in the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.
The operation resulted in the seizure of over £15,000 worth of illegal tobacco products and vapes, five people being detained for illegal working in the UK, the seizure of £4,000 under the proceeds of crime act from illegal working, £235,000 worth of fines being issued.
T/Detective Sergeant Culshaw, from Lancaster’s Exploitation Team, said: “This operation has been one of our most successful to date in the short amount of time that it ran.
“We have a strong relationship with our partners, which allows for all resources to be put to good use to protect vulnerable people and help disrupt the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.”
“You can report to police by calling 101, reporting online or calling 999 in emergencies. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
