Residents’ views are already helping Thurrock Council take tougher action against illegal tobacco and vape sales – with targeted enforcement in Grays the first of further activity planned across the borough.
More than 80 people from communities across Thurrock responded to the council’s recent illegal tobacco and vape survey, sharing their experiences, concerns, and local knowledge.
Residents told the council they wanted action taken against businesses that break the law. Responses also showed that some people were unaware of whether suspected illegal sales could be reported, or how to report them. Now, the council is acting on what residents said.
On 9 and 10 September, Thurrock Council Trading Standards joined Essex Police and Public Health through the Community Tobacco Partnership to carry out targeted visits to retailers in Grays. Almost every premises in Grays town centre highlighted through the consultation was visited by officers, supported by a specialist tobacco detection dog and handler.
The operation resulted in seizures of illicit hand-rolling and chewing tobacco, with investigations continuing. Officers also uncovered wider Trading Standards concerns and seized more than 860 non-compliant toys, including squishies.
And Grays is only the beginning, with further targeted activity planned across Thurrock.
Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. The illicit trade can have links to organised crime and wider criminality, can make tobacco more accessible to young people and puts legitimate businesses that follow the rules at an unfair disadvantage.
The operation demonstrates how information from residents can help officers identify concerns, target resources, and take enforcement action.
Cllr Richard Bingley, Leader of Thurrock Council said: “You said, we listened and we acted. Residents told us they wanted to see action against businesses that break the law, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“The information people shared has helped our Trading Standards team target its activity, with almost all the premises highlighted to us in Grays town centre now visited.
“But Grays is only the beginning. Further targeted activity will follow across Thurrock. Our message to businesses that choose to sell illegal tobacco, vapes or other non-compliant products is clear: we will take action, and it will not be tolerated in Thurrock.
“Illegal tobacco isn’t a harmless bargain. The illicit trade can have links to organised crime and wider criminality, while undermining responsible businesses that follow the law. These illegal products can also put users’ health at risk, and protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents is extremely important to us.
“Residents also told us that some people didn’t know whether they could report suspected illegal sales or how to do it. You can report your concerns to us, anonymously if you wish. The information you provide can help our officers build intelligence and decide where action is needed.
“More than 80 people from across Thurrock took part in this consultation, and I want to thank every one of them. This demonstrates why taking part in public consultations on the issues that matter to you is so important.
“Your views don’t just sit in a report. Your local knowledge can shape what we do, where we focus our resources and, as we’re demonstrating here, lead to action. Your input really does make a difference.”
Although the consultation has now closed, reporting remains open.
Residents can report suspected illegal tobacco and vape sales to Thurrock Council, including concerns about businesses or individuals selling illegal products, sales to under-18s or adults purchasing tobacco for children and young people.
Report suspected illegal tobacco or vape sales, anonymously if you wish.
Trading Standards will continue to work with Essex Police, Public Health and communities across Thurrock, with further targeted activity planned across the borough.
