A bombshell new report has revealed that half of all convenience stores and vape retailers in certain parts of the United Kingdom have links to organised crime, with three major cities identified as hotspots for these 'dodgy shops'. The survey, conducted by Trading Standards, found that 97% of its officers are aware of suspected organised crime groups (OCGs) operating out of retail premises on their local high streets.
Hotspots for Criminal Activity
The report, titled 'Hidden In Plain Sight', highlights that up to a third of 'American candy' shops and one in four fast food takeaways in the worst-affected regions are suspected of being fronts for criminal enterprises. Birmingham, Liverpool, and London top the list of cities with the highest concentration of such businesses, followed by Bradford, Manchester, Leeds, Coventry, Sheffield, Huddersfield, and Brighton.
Rise of Cash-Intensive Businesses
There has been an 'almost universal recognition' among Trading Standards officers—99%—that the number of cash-intensive businesses opening on high streets has increased since 2020. Almost three-quarters of Trading Standards professionals (72%) reported experiencing intimidatory behaviour or threats of violence while carrying out their duties.
Impact of Budget Cuts
The report warns that budgets for Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) services have been slashed by up to 50% over the past decade, with staffing reduced to minimal levels. This, combined with resource challenges for other enforcement agencies like the police, has allowed the rapid spread of these shops and the complex criminal networks behind them. The dodgy shops have a 'profound impact' on public safety and the viability of legitimate businesses, while endangering consumers, including children.
Associated Criminality
These shops often bring with them anti-social behaviour, theft, violent crime, drug supply, modern slavery, and child sexual exploitation. In Dudley, a trading standards team reported an 'epidemic' of serious crime linked to vape shops, including devices and illegal goods being exchanged for sexual favours from children.
Ten-Point Plan to Reclaim High Streets
The report outlines a ten-point plan to 'reclaim the UK's high streets', which includes investing in Trading Standards, making the sale of illegal goods a trigger for licence review, and allocating an additional £20 million to bolster Trading Standards resources for ports and borders.
John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), stated: 'It is clear from this research that serious and organised crime is endemic across the UK, and the threat posed by illegitimate high street businesses is having a significant impact on the work of Trading Standards, and our ability to protect consumers and maintain the level playing field for legitimate business.'
Ed Woodall, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, added: 'Responsible convenience retailers are extremely frustrated with rogue traders operating with impunity in their local area. 85% of retailers asked in our 2026 Crime Survey said that illicit trading has increased in their local area – this cannot be allowed to continue.'
