Organised crime groups are suspected of operating through as many as half of convenience stores and vape retailers in some parts of the UK, a new report from Trading Standards reveals.
The Hidden In Plain Sight report also suggests that up to a third of American candy stores and a quarter of fast food takeaways in specific areas may be fronts for illicit activities.
A survey conducted by the organisation found that a staggering 97 per cent of its officers are aware of suspected criminal operations within retail premises on their local high streets.
There is “almost universal recognition” – from 99 per cent of officers – that there has been a significant rise in cash-intensive businesses opening since 2020.
Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) of Trading Standards professionals have reported experiencing intimidation or threats of violence while carrying out their duties.
Trading Standards has published a map identifying streets full of so-called dodgy shops across the UK, alongside a list of 10 towns and cities deemed hotspots for organised crime groups, with Birmingham, Liverpool, and London topping the list.
It also said that Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) services have faced budget cuts of up to 50 per cent over the past decade, leading to staffing levels being stripped to a minimum.
Trading Standards warned that this – coupled with resource “challenges” for other key enforcement agencies including police – had coincided with the rapid spread of dodgy shops across the UK, as well as complex criminal networks that underpinned them.
Dodgy shops had a “profound impact” on the safety of the public and the viability of the legitimate businesses around them, while putting the health of consumers, including children, at risk.
These shops often brought with them associated criminality including anti-social behaviour, theft and violent crime, drug supply, modern slavery, and child sexual exploitation.
The report outlined a 10-point plan to “reclaim the UK’s high streets”, including investing in Trading Standards, making the sale of illegal goods a trigger for licence review, and an additional £20 million to bolster Trading Standards resources for ports and borders.
John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: “It is clear from this research that serious and organised crime is endemic across the UK, and the threat posed by illegitimate high street businesses is having a significant impact on the work of Trading Standards, and our ability to protect consumers and maintain the level playing field for legitimate business.
“Local Authority Trading Standards services have faced damaging funding cuts of up to 50 per cent over the past decade, with key enforcement partners experiencing similar resourcing challenges.
“We recognise that the Government is focussed on this issue, but it must urgently bring together and properly invest in enforcement agencies – including Local Authority Trading Standards – to give us the powers and resources needed to tackle what is a widespread and growing national problem.”
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive, Ed Woodall, said: “Responsible convenience retailers are extremely frustrated with rogue traders operating with impunity in their local area.
“Eighty-five per cent of retailers asked in our 2026 Crime Survey said that illicit trading has increased in their local area – this cannot be allowed to continue.
“We have consistently called for Trading Standards to be given the resources they need to tackle the dangerous and growing illicit market blighting communities across the UK.
“Tens of millions of pounds need to be invested in local enforcement capacity to shut down these rogue traders and support the responsible retailers that are suffering as a result.”
