May 19, 2026 - 201 views
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has welcomed a major new UK Government crackdown on organised crime linked to high street businesses.
The new initiative, announced in Parliament by Dan Jarvis on Monday, will see the creation of a £30 million High Street Organised Crime Unit led by the National Crime Agency to target criminal gangs using shops as fronts for illegal activity.
The National Crime Agency estimates that at least £1 billion is laundered through UK high street businesses every year, with concerns growing over illegal working, illicit goods and organised criminal activity operating behind legitimate shopfronts.
The programme will bring together police, trading standards, HMRC and partner agencies to carry out raids, closures and cash seizures linked to organised crime. Measures announced include more National Crime Agency officers dedicated to tackling high street money laundering, annual multi-agency crackdowns, stronger local authority trading standards enforcement, and a targeted HMRC campaign against tax evasion and illicit finance.
Mr Dunbobbin, who is also Joint Lead on Business and Retail Crime at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said the plans reflect concerns being raised by businesses and communities across North Wales.
During recent visits to towns including Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llangollen and Llandudno, the Commissioner said he had discussed issues such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and illegal enterprises with local traders and community representatives.
Mr Dunbobbin said high streets remained “the heart of our communities” and praised the vast majority of North Wales businesses for supporting local jobs and economic growth.
However, he said residents, councillors and business owners regularly raised concerns about crime and businesses operating outside the law.
He added: “The Government’s new High Street Organised Crime Unit is a clear recognition that this is a serious national issue, and it is right that enforcement agencies are coming together to target those involved in organised criminality.
“My visits to towns such as Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llangollen and Llandudno have reinforced just how important it is that we maintain a visible policing presence and strong local partnerships alongside any national response.
“As part of my Plan to tackle crime in North Wales, I will continue to work with local Police and partners to ensure our town centres remain safe, welcoming and thriving places for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
