Weston’s MP backs crackdown on local organised crime

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, 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 and other criminal activity.

These businesses will face raids, closure orders and cash seizures as part of a new drive to clean up Britain’s high streets and restore confidence in local communities.

Dan Aldridge MP in conversation with NSC Community Response Officers (Photo: Supplied)

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 extra funding to increase inspections, raids 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.

In Weston-super-Mare, residents have repeatedly raised concerns with Dan Aldridge MP about certain businesses appearing to operate suspiciously, contributing to anti-social behaviour, intimidation and a wider sense that parts of the town centre are being neglected or exploited.

Dan Aldridge MP said: “People want to feel safe and proud of their local high streets, and honest businesses should not be undercut by organised criminals operating in plain sight.

“Residents across Weston have raised concerns with me about certain shops and businesses that appear to be operating suspiciously and contributing to anti-social behaviour in our town centre. Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously.

“For too long, criminal gangs have used rogue businesses to launder money, exploit workers and bring crime into our communities.

“This crackdown sends a clear message that we are taking back our high streets, backing genuine local businesses and driving organised crime out of our communities.”