NBCC supports calls for government action on illicit trade threatening UK high streets
The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) is backing urgent calls for stronger government action to tackle the UK’s growing illicit trade and protect responsible retailers operating across the country.
A coalition of MPs, retailers and industry bodies has written to consumer protection minister Kate Dearden MP, highlighting serious concerns about the increasing visibility of illegal goods, including vapes, tobacco, electronics and toys, on UK high streets. The letter warns that failing to address this issue risks undermining legitimate businesses and eroding consumer confidence.
The NBCC, alongside organisations including the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), supports the call for coordinated, nationwide action to address the scale of the problem.
Growing pressure on responsible businesses
Recent data highlights the increasing challenge facing compliant retailers:
- 85% of convenience retailers report a rise in illicit activity around their stores over the past year (ACS Crime Report 2026)
- 52% believe incidents involving organised crime groups have increased in the last 12 months
- 57% of Trading Standards services operate with fewer than four staff per 100,000 people (Which?)
These figures underline the pressure on both businesses and enforcement agencies, with limited resources impacting the ability to respond effectively.
Call for stronger enforcement and support
The joint letter outlines three key areas where government intervention is needed:
- Increased funding for Trading Standards teams to strengthen local enforcement
- Improved and more consistent reporting mechanisms for illicit activity
- Enhanced police powers to access tobacco track and trace data to support investigations
NBCC perspective
Lisa Maslen, Superintendent at the National Business Crime Centre, said:
“Illicit trade is not a victimless issue – it undermines legitimate businesses, puts consumers at risk, and fuels wider criminality in our communities.
“From an NBCC perspective, we are increasingly concerned about both the scale and visibility of these operations on high streets across the UK.
“Responsible retailers are doing the right thing, but they cannot tackle this alone. Stronger coordination, better resourcing, and clearer reporting mechanisms are essential if we are to effectively disrupt these criminal networks.
“We fully support the call for increased investment and a more joined-up approach to enforcement to protect businesses, consumers and communities.”
Protecting high streets and communities
MPs involved in the campaign have also highlighted the wider impact of illicit trade, including links to organised crime and risks to young people through the sale of unsafe or illegal products.
The issue is being discussed at a parliamentary roundtable bringing together policymakers, enforcement bodies and industry representatives to explore practical solutions.
The NBCC continues to work closely with partners across policing, government and retail to support efforts to disrupt illicit activity and safeguard the UK’s high streets.
