Lancashire Police join crackdown on immigration crime

Lancashire Police joined with other agencies as part of a crackdown on organised immigration crime.

Codenamed Operation Lockstream the week-long crackdown last month saw them seize thousands of illicit cigarettes, vapes, medication and unsafe toys in a series of visits to various locations across the county.

Police also made nine immigration related arrests and issued £135,000 in civil penalties for illegal working.

The nationwide operation by police and Immigration Enforcement saw 362 arrests - with 57 of those known to have entered the UK by small boat.

Officers also seized over £1m in cash, over £700,000 in illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes, 92 cars and 31 e-bikes.

The intelligence led operation, under the Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce, saw the National Police Chiefs’ Council working closely with police forces alongside agencies including the Home Office, Immigration Enforcement and Trading Standards.

Between Monday 15 June and Saturday 20 June 2026, the operation focused on disrupting activity linked to organised immigration crime at premises such as barber shops, vape shops, car washes, food production, and nail salons.

Criminal gangs often target these businesses as they provide opportunities to conceal illegal working, to exploit vulnerable migrants, and to launder proceeds of crime.

Det Supt Mark Haworth-Oates said: “This activity sends a clear message to organised crime gangs that police and partners are working together to tackle illegal trade within our communities, and to bring offenders to justice.

“We will not tolerate exploitation, and we are determined to target the business owners who openly encourage this.

“Organised immigration crime is often hidden in plain sight, and we would urge you to report anything that doesn’t feel right in businesses on your streets, or if you are concerned about someone’s welfare.

“Reporting can help protect people and catch those responsible by helping us to gather intelligence that builds a picture of what is happening in our communities.

“We take all information from the public seriously and will act upon it. You can raise concerns by calling 101, or report via the Home Office endorsed charity Stop the Traffick.”

Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities at Lancashire County Council said: "It is shocking that more than 23 Lancashire shops inspected were all found to be selling illegal tobacco, along with potentially unsafe, untraceable toys and vapes. This kind of activity undercuts honest local businesses.

"I’d like to praise the joint work between Lancashire Constabulary and our Trading Standards officers, which has taken a large quantity of illegal goods off the streets. Investigations are ongoing.

"You can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133, or report it online at Contact the consumer service - Citizens Advice. Businesses requiring advice and support can also get in touch with Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service."

A spokesperson for the Fair Work Agency said: “We took part in a multi-agency visit to share information about the Fair Work Agency and provide details of available support services.

“As an agency, we bring together key labour market enforcement functions under a single organisation, providing a more coherent, accessible, and effective system for workers and employers.

“It was great for our team to go out and support Lancashire Police as we work together to stop workers being exploited and preventing businesses working on the wrong side of the law.”