Corner shop in Hartlepool closed due to illegal cigarettes

Qwidz In at 29 Murray Street – previously known as Fill Up Superstore – was given a three-month closure order by Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

A court hearing on Thursday (October 10) found that two recent test purchases a week apart had resulted in the sale of illegal cigarettes.

Between test purchases, trading standards officers carried out an inspection of the premises and observed customers being chased away from the entrance.

This, officials said, is probably aimed at preventing demand for illegal products.

The court was told the store’s operators did not keep their illegal products at the counter, but instead used various methods to try to hide them.

This included bringing illegal products from various premises when necessary, storing the products in hidden compartments and storing them in adjacent buildings.

The court was told that if the site was not closed, criminal behavior would continue, causing “even more nuisance” to nearby residents and businesses.

“Outrageous crime”

Councilor Karen Oliver, chair of the council’s Neighborhood Services Committee, said: “It is important that we take action wherever possible to tackle such brazen crime and I would like to thank the council’s trading standards team for their excellent work thank the court for dealing with this matter.”

“I hope the closure order sends a clear signal to those involved in the illegal sale of tobacco products that we are not prepared to tolerate their activities.

“We need to create pride in our neighborhoods and I would encourage residents with information or concerns about such illegal sales to contact the council or police. It is important that we all take a stand to counter criminal activity like this.”

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At the hearing the council was awarded costs totaling £2,658.39.

While the closure order is in force, no one other than local authority officials will be permitted to enter the premises.

Anyone who witnesses a breach of the order should call Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.