The business owners will be interviewed under caution
11:37, 15 Jan 2026
Work by Essex police officers and trading standards officials has led to the discovery of £12,000 worth of illegal products in a Southend shop. Three stores suspected of handling stolen goods were targeted, with a search at one shop on the edge of the city centre revealing illegal tobacco pouches, cigarettes, vapes and children’s toys that didn’t meet safety regulations.
The items were discovered hidden in a cavity behind a false wall. The stock was seized and will be destroyed. The business owners will be interviewed under caution before a decision is made about whether the council will proceed with prosecution.
The work is part of Essex Police’s crackdown on shoplifting in the city. Officers are using forensic DNA marking on products that are frequently stolen so they can be traced back to the shops they originated from.
Shops are also being encouraged to sign up to a responsible retailer scheme where they will pledge to only buy products from reputable sources. PC Lois Greenlees leads the operation and believes that many items are being stolen to order.
She said: “Retailers in the city are being repeatedly hit, and items are being offloaded quickly. You’re not going to steal detergent or chocolate in bulk unless you’re confident you’ve got somewhere to sell it on.
“This is all linked to drug use, with people stealing to access quick cash to feed their addictions. By using DNA marking and targeting shops where we believe stolen items are being sold on, we’re looking to cut off that market.
“Trading Standards have extensive search powers and by working together, getting support from retailers and making frequent spot checks, we are confident we can drive down offending.”
Cllr Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, added: “Illegal tobacco and counterfeit vapes are dangerous, harm people’s health, and undermine honest local businesses. They’re often linked to organised crime, which is why working in partnership with Essex Police is so important.
“I’m very pleased with the outcome of this recent joint operation, where our Trading Standards officers uncovered nearly £12,000 worth of illegal products, including cigarettes hidden in roof insulation. These items will now be destroyed, and those responsible will face further action. Trading Standards have the powers to prosecute offenders, and we will use them where necessary.
“This sends a clear message: Southend will not tolerate criminal trading, and we will continue joint operations to keep these harmful goods off our streets.”