Joint crackdown on illegal goods in Barking Town Centre

Joint crackdown on illegal goods in Barking Town Centre leads to arrest and £6,000 seizure

A joint operation between Barking and Dagenham Council’s Trading Standards team and the Barking Town Centre Police Team has resulted in one arrest and the seizure of thousands of pounds worth of illegal goods.

On Thursday 11 December, officers carried out Operation Safe Seller, focusing on businesses suspected of handling stolen mobile phones and selling counterfeit or illicit products in Barking Town Centre and Vicarage Fields Shopping Centre.

During visits to just two premises, enforcement teams seized a significant haul of illegal items, including:

The total estimated value of the goods is approximately £6,000. These items were found to be in breach of the Tobacco Products and Related Products Regulations 2016, lacking the required traceability labelling and health warnings.

One individual was arrested for immigration offences, and both premises are now under further investigation. Additional joint visits are planned in the coming weeks to ensure compliance and protect residents from harmful and illegal products.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: "This operation sends a clear message: we will not tolerate businesses that put profit before public safety. Illegal goods not only undermine legitimate traders but also pose serious health risks to our residents.

“By working closely with the police, we are making Barking Town Centre a safer place for everyone."

Superintendent Biju Premnath said: “Illegal goods often come hand in hand with wider criminal networks, and operations like this are vital in disrupting that activity. Working alongside the council, we will continue to take decisive action against those who disregard regulations and put public safety at risk.

“Barking Town Centre should be a place where people feel safe and businesses operate responsibly, and we are committed to making that a reality.”

Residents are being encouraged to report any businesses selling illegal products to the council by emailing tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.