SUSPECTED stolen bottles of alcohol and illegal tobacco products were seized by Evesham Town Centre Police Team yesterday (Thursday) when two warrants were carried out at shops.
Officers from Evesham, supported by the South Worcestershire Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT), joined Trading Standards officers at Mini Market Evesham and First Choice Off Licence on Port Street for the warrants.
Nothing was found in the store of Mini Market, but police found three hold-all size bags containing suspected illegal cigarettes and illicit tobacco pouches with an estimated street value of £2,500 were found on a roof at the rear of the property.
No arrests were made but the counterfeit tobacco products have been seized by Trading Standards which is investigating the matter further.
At First Choice Off Licence, officers seized an axe and 99 bottles of wines and spirits suspected to have been stolen – they had an estimated street value of £1,000. A man in his 20s is due to attend the police station for a voluntary interview about the suspected stolen goods.
Sgt Duncan Eades of Evesham Town Centre Team said: “Yesterday we executed two successful warrants at retail premises on Port Street in Evesham in response to community concerns around the suspected sales of stolen goods and illegal tobacco products.
“We will not tolerate the illegal sale of goods in our town.
“Acquisitive crime is a priority for us – it not only impacts our community, but it also impacts the retailers which can have a knock-on effect to all shoppers on the prices of goods we buy in stores.”
He warned anyone who tried to sell stolen goods or illegal tobacco products in Evesham would be watched and they ‘would be paid a visit’ if officers suspect any criminal activity.
And, describing the public as the police’s ‘eyes and ears on the ground’ he urged anyone in Evesham who suspected criminal activity in their area to call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
These raids come just two days after £150,ooo worth of counterfeit tobacco was seized in Evesham – Click here to read that story.
