A major new crackdown announced by the UK Government on organised crime affecting high streets has been welcomed by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, and Joint Lead on Business and Retail Crime at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Andy Dunbobbin.

On 19 May UK Government Minister of State Dan Jarvis MP announced in Parliament a new £30 million High Street Organised Crime Unit, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), to tackle criminal gangs using shops as fronts for illegal activity. The National Crime Agency believes at least £1 billion is laundered through a wide range of high street businesses in the UK each year. 

The programme will bring together police, trading standards and partner agencies to carry out raids, closures and cash seizures targeting businesses linked to organised crime. The plans include:

  • An increase in National Crime Agency officers dedicated to tackling high street money laundering and associated criminality.
  • An annual national multiagency crackdown on money laundering through the high street and associated criminality.
  • Increased local authority capacity to strengthen trading standards and wider business compliance on the high street.
  • An HMRC-led targeted surge against tax evasion and illicit finance on the high street.
  • A communications and compliance campaign aimed at high street businesses, focused on raising awareness of illegal working.

The announcement follows growing national concern about criminal gangs exploiting high street premises for activities such as money laundering, illegal working and the sale of illicit goods. PCC Dunbobbin said the move reflects issues he is hearing directly from businesses and communities across North Wales. During recent visits to towns including Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llangollen and Llandudno, Mr Dunbobbin has met local business owners, traders and partners to discuss concerns, including shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and the impact of illegal enterprises on town centres.

PCC Dunbobbin said: “High streets are the heart of our communities and the vast majority of businesses in North Wales are doing the right thing, supporting jobs, growth and local pride. But I regularly hear concerns from residents, local councillors and business owners about the impact of crime, including shoplifting and the presence of businesses operating outside the law.

“The Government’s new High Street Organised Crime Unit is a clear recognition that this is a serious national issue, and it is right that enforcement agencies are coming together to target those involved in organised criminality.

“My visits to towns such as Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llangollen and Llandudno have reinforced just how important it is that we maintain a visible policing presence and strong local partnerships alongside any national response. As part of my Plan to tackle crime in North Wales, I will continue to work with local Police and partners to ensure our town centres remain safe, welcoming and thriving places for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”