Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister, 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.

Josh MacAlister MP welcomed the crackdown: “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.

“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 local businesses and driving organised crime out of West Cumbria.”

The measures include the creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to co-ordinate 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 Whitehaven and Workington MP has already begun lobbying ministers to ensure Cumberland Council receives additional cash.

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.