Story perspectives

£30 M Crime Unit Powers Year-Long Illegal Shop Closures

6/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a £30 million organised-crime unit and a twelve-month shop-closure limit.
Authorities in England and Wales will be able to close illegal mini-marts, barbers and vape shops for up to a year.
Police raids on Birmingham’s Soho Road uncovered illegal cigarettes, a makeshift weapon and drug-sale evidence, leading Trading Standards chief John Herriman to say longer closures—beyond the current three-month limit—will force landlords to scrutinise tenants.

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Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a £30 million organised-crime unit and a twelve-month shop-closure limit.
Authorities in England and Wales will be able to close illegal mini-marts, barbers and vape shops for up to a year.
Police raids on Birmingham’s Soho Road uncovered illegal cigarettes, a makeshift weapon and drug-sale evidence, leading Trading Standards chief John Herriman to say longer closures—beyond the current three-month limit—will force landlords to scrutinise tenants.