Four more Crewe and Nantwich shops have been hit with closure orders, after reports of anti-social behaviour and illegal trading activity.

The latest Cheshire Police action took place on Thursday 2 July, as part of Operation Snips.

This joint operation was carried out by the Eastern Problem Solving Team, with support from Crewe Beat Officers and Cheshire East Trading Standards.

Closures were made under Section 76 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The shops affected include Friendly Mart on High Street, Nantwich, as well as Liam Grocery Shop, Top Gee and Bob Shop on Nantwich Road, Crewe.

These businesses, which operate as local convenience shops, were targeted following reports of anti-social behaviour at the premises and failures to follow age restriction rules when selling items.

It brings the total number of commercial premises receiving closure orders across Crewe and Nantwich this year to six.

High Street Market, High Street, Crewe, was closed in May, while Infinity Mini Market, Market Street, Crewe, received a three-month closure order in April.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "We will not tolerate businesses being used in a way that causes harm or disruption to local communities.

"We will continue to work with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour and illegal activity."

The latest action is part of ongoing efforts by police and partners to tackle problem premises across the area.

Cheshire East Council cabinet member for finance, legal and enforcement, Cllr Dawn Clark, said: "These raids and closure orders send out a clear message that we are an enforcing council and we will continue to tackle head on the scourge of illicit tobacco and vapes, as well as underage tobacco sales, working effectively with our partners.

"Anti-social and unlawful outlets in Cheshire East should know that we will not stand by and watch while they act illegally.

"The sale of Illicit tobacco and vapes has proven links to organised crime and the sale of these products is known to contribute to human trafficking and other criminality.

"Illicit tobacco also undermines efforts of our health teams and NHS partners to reduce the number of people smoking and encourages children to take up smoking, which negatively impacts their long-term health.

"I would urge people to report the sale of illegal tobacco and single-use vapes in Cheshire East call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 2231133 or start a Live Chat on our website."

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