Enforcement operation in Leigh sees illicit goods seizure and warnings issued

Enforcement operation in Leigh sees illicit goods seizure and warnings issued

Joint enforcement action by Wigan Borough authorities last week included the seizure of illegal cigarettes and warning notices issued about housing and fire safety.

The capture of the illicit tobacco products, worth an estimated £2.5k, was part of an operation led by the borough’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

It saw Wigan Council teams, working alongside emergency service colleagues, serve notices to residential and business property owners in the Railway Road area of Leigh.

The operation, held on Monday, 9 December, followed reports from the local community voicing a range of concerns and issues, including anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Dane Anderton, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: “This co-ordinated operation saw teams from across several public bodies working together to address a range of community concerns, representing what our Community Safety Partnership is all about.

“I would like to reassure residents that Monday’s action was not a one-off and we will continue to encourage anyone to report any areas of concern to the relevant authorities so that action can be taken.

“Creating a safe environment in Leigh town centre – and across our borough – is our priority and we will continue to take a robust approach working alongside our partners such as GMP and GMFRS.”

The CSP sees the council working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, GM Fire and Rescue Service and representatives from government departments such as the Home Office and Department for Work and Pensions.

Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Davies, said: “GMP is committed to working closely with our partners to help combat illegal activities within the community which adversely affect the quality of life for local residents.

“It is important to acknowledge that enforcement action such as this can be linked to the other, more visible issues we wish to tackle such as anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse and retail crime.

“By working in partnership with colleagues within the Community Safety Partnership and a variety of other agencies, we are able to collectively implement our strategy by disrupting those who contribute towards them and taking enforcement action in a variety of different ways. The work done here today is testament to that and it will continue.”

The Operation saw officers – including council trading standards, housing and community resilience teams - execute warrants at several residential and business properties in the area.

Warning notices were issued in relation to housing compliance and fire safety concerns, respectively.

Meanwhile, the combined haul of the illicit tobacco products worth more than £2.5k was recovered in business premises and nearby vehicles.

For more information visit the Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership.