£62,000 worth of illicit tobacco products seized during police action in Rossendale

Thursday, 15 May 2025 15:29

By Central Radio News

Rossendale Police, in collaboration with partner agencies, conducted a successful day of action this week to address concerns raised by the local community.

As part of the initiative, officers were joined by Lancashire Parking Services (LPS) during school pick-up and drop-op times at a local primary school. This followed concerns raised through the Lancashire Talking survey regarding child safety and illegal parking. Parents and children were engaged on the importance of parking legally and safely during these critical times.

Officers and LPS also carried out high-visibility enforcement patrols in the Deardengate and town centre areas, targeting irresponsible and illegal parking behaviour.

Additionally, officers partnered with Together Housing to conduct a beat sweep around the Greenfield Area and Central flats – locations highlighted as areas of concern by local residents.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team were also joined by Trading Standards for two enforcement visits to local shops. At the first location in Haslingden, 3,200 illicit tobacco products including cigarettes and vapes, were seized, with an estimated value of approximately £54,000. A second visit in Waterfoot led to the seizure of around 700 illegal cigarettes and vapes, valued at approximately £8,000.

Local Neighbourhood Sergeant Paul Marsden said, “It’s great that we have been able to remove a quantity of illegal tobacco products from the streets of Haslingden and Waterfoot.

“We will continue to actively work with our partner agencies to tackle the issues and concerns of our communities and this day of action is just one example of the work we do day-in-day-out.

“We encourage the community to continue to report their concerns so that the appropriate agency can take effective action.”

“If you haven’t already, we also urge you to take part in the Lancashire Talking survey and sign up to ‘In the Know’ to stay informed about what’s happening in your area. Visit https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/ for more information.”