Businesses in Lancaster and Morecambe have been fined thousands of pounds following a series of raids by police.
Lancaster Police’s Exploitation Team, along with Immigration and Trading Standards, visited five premises across both areas as part of an exploitation operation last week. 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; and £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.
"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."