Nine out of ten shops targeted for selling illicit goods on Britain's high streets remain open, despite an increase in raids by the Labour government last year. More than 4,000 shops were inspected in 2025 for illegal tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes, yet fewer than 10% of these establishments were temporarily closed, according to official government data.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had pledged a significant crackdown, stating in May that "organised crime gangs will be hit with raids, shop closures, and cash seizures in a £30 million crackdown on dodgy high street shops." Prime Minister Andy Burnham also committed to revitalizing "hollowed out high streets." However, despite a nearly 1,000-raid increase from 2024 to 2025, only 8% of offending premises were temporarily shut down in 2025.
In one instance, the Newham local authority seized illicit products from 94 shops in 2025 but did not enforce any closures. This lack of enforcement stands in contrast to the reported crime reduction benefits observed when such outlets are closed. Greater Manchester Police noted that closing 206 criminal establishments correlated with a 45% decrease in public order offenses, a 69% drop in vehicle crime and violent crime, and a 58% reduction in burglaries.
Critics have voiced concern over the low closure rate. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated, "Labour's crackdown on illegal tobacco and vape shops is nothing of the sort. Closing less than 10 per cent will do next to nothing to crackdown on this blight to our high streets." He also argued that Labour's tax policies have pushed legitimate businesses out, creating opportunities for illicit vendors.
Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson, described the raids as "theatrical if they do not lead to the closure of the operation." He added, "If a business is selling illegal tobacco and vapes, it should not be allowed to carry on trading as though nothing happened."
Labour MP Melanie Onn called for ending the influence of criminal shops, stating they "further compound the decline of the high street, by pushing legitimate retailers out, and preventing new entrants from setting up a business." She urged that "Ending their grip on our communities must be at the forefront of the PM's new plan for Britain."
The findings were detailed in a report by the think tank The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), titled 'Hijacked High Streets,' which obtained the data through a Freedom of Information request. The CSJ has recommended the establishment of a "British FBI" to combat serious organized crime, a stringent licensing scheme for certain shops, and new powers for the immediate closure of criminal establishments for up to 12 months.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reiterated her commitment, telling the Daily Mail, "Criminal gangs have blighted our high streets and undercut honest businesses for too long. This report shows the scale of the challenge we face in restoring them." She added, "I have launched a nationwide crackdown which will see thousands of dodgy shops closed and dirty money seized. We're bringing in new laws to shut the shops for good and give the police and trading standards the tools they need to go after the gangs running them."
