Over 20,000 illegal cigarettes seized during police day of action

Friday, 24 October 2025 17:38

By Central Radio News

Rossendale Police, alongside partner agencies, conducted another successful day of action to address concerns raised by residents in the local community.

As part of the initiative, officers were out patrolling in the morning near several primary schools across the borough. This followed concerns raised through the Lancashire Talking survey regarding child safety and illegal parking during drop-off and pick-up times. Parents and children were engaged on the importance of parking legally and discussed road safety during these critical times.

Officers conducted a number of speeding operations along Burnley Road East, Burnley Road at Weir and New Line. During these operations four Section 59 warnings were issued to drivers for driving in an anti-social manner. They also carried out parking enforcement alongside Lancashire Parking Services in Bacup, where officers issued four parking tickets following warnings given over the last few weeks.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team were also joined by Trading Standards for an enforcement visit to a shop in Rawtenstall following concerns raised by residents regarding the sale of illicit tobacco products. An estimated total of 20,000 illegal cigarettes and over 350 illicit vapes were seized from the premises.

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 Rossendale.

“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.”