Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Two shops closed and four arrested in Darlington over illegal vapes and cigs

Two shops closed and four arrested in Darlington over illegal vapes and cigs
Easy Shop, on Victoria Road in Darlington, has been issued with premises closure notice (Photo: Durham Constabulary)

Two shops have been closed down in Darlington following an operation to target those suspected of supplying illegal vapes and cigarettes.

Officers from Durham Constabulary have also arrested four people as part of a joint operation with Darlington Borough Council’s trading standards team, which was carried out over several days this week.


The police said the action followed extensive investigation work and intelligence gathering into the supply of illicit and over-strength goods in Darlington, and the sale of vapes to children as young as 12.

Three men aged 43, 38, and 28 were arrested on suspicion of possession of counterfeit goods and interviewed by officers. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

A 35-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property and obstructing police. She has been released under investigation.

A search of Easy Shop, on Victoria Road, also resulted in the seizure of a quantity of illegal cigarettes and vapes.

Both Easy Shop and Neasham Road Mini Market have been issued with premises closure notices following the sale of vapes to children, and the supply of illicit and over-strength tobacco and vapes. The notices mean the businesses will be closed for the next three months.

The action forms part of Operation Nightstar – an ongoing investigation by Durham Constabulary and Darlington Trading Standards into the sale and supply of counterfeit and illegal tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes.

“Illicit and dangerous tobacco and vapes can not only cause serious harm to people’s health, but the proceeds are often invested into organised crime and can help fund more serious and violent offences,” Detective Constable Martin Rowell, from Durham Constabulary, said.

“Supplying these products to underage children can also open them up to potential exploitation and criminality – if you are doing this, then you can expect a visit from us.”

Councillor Mike Renton, the council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “People might think they are getting cheap products, but actually it harms the community as it supports organised crime and affects law-abiding businesses, not to mention the health dangers involved.”

Shaun Trevor, from the council’s trading standards team, said: “Darlington trading standards will act on all complaints received about problem premises, particularly those selling counterfeit and illegal goods to children. We will use every available tool to put a stop to these traders in Darlington, including premises closure orders. Working with partner agencies has paid huge dividends and will continue.”

More for you

A woman enters the Selfridges department store

A woman enters the Selfridges department store on December 13, 2024 in London, England

Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images

Retail faces mixed fortunes in 2025 amid cost pressures, AI opportunities, and high street revival


The UK retail sector is bracing for a challenging but opportunity-filled 2025, according to Jacqui Baker, head of retail at RSM UK. While the industry grapples with rising costs and heightened crime, advancements in artificial intelligence and a revival of the high street offer potential pathways to growth, she said.

Keep ReadingShow less
unsafe soft drinks seized in Southend

Unsafe soft drinks seized in Southend

Photo: Southend-on-Sea City Council

1,100 unsafe soft drinks seized in Southend safety crackdown

Southend-on-Sea City Council officials have secured food condemnation orders from Chelmsford Magistrates Court, resulting in the seizure and destruction of 1,100 unauthorised soft drinks.

The condemned drinks, including Mountain Dew, 7-UP, Mirinda, and G Fuel energy drinks, were found during routine inspections of food businesses across Southend by the council’s environmental health officers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Charity Super.Mkt at Brent Cross Shopping centre in north London

A customer browses clothes inside Charity Super.Mkt at Brent Cross Shopping centre in north London on, December 17, 2024

Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Brits kindle Christmas spirit with second-hand gifts

Bursting with customers one afternoon the week before Christmas, a second-hand charity shop in London's Marylebone High Street looked even busier than the upscale retailers surrounding it.

One man grabbed two puzzle sets and a giant plush toy as a present for friends, another picked out a notebook for his wife.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nothing is more important than your Mental Elf

Nothing is more important than your Mental Elf

Lancashire Mind’s 11th Mental Elf fun run was its biggest and best yet – a sell-out event with more than 400 people running and walking in aid of the mental charity, plus dozens more volunteering to make the day a huge success.

The winter sun shone on Worden Park in Leyland as families gathered for either a 5K course, a 2K run, or a Challenge Yours’Elf distance which saw many people running 10K with the usual running gear replaced with jazzy elf leggings, tinsel and Christmas hats.

Keep ReadingShow less
A woman walks past a window display promoting an ongoing sale

A woman walks past a window display promoting an ongoing sale, on December 13, 2024 in London, England.

Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images

Retail sales disappoint before Christmas

UK retail sales rose less than expected in the runup to Christmas, according to official data Friday that deals a fresh blow to government hopes of growing the economy.

Separate figures revealed a temporary reprieve for prime minister Keir Starmer, however, as public borrowing fell sharply in November.

Keep ReadingShow less