Latest news with #Anti-socialBehaviour
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire vape shops closed due to 'criminal behaviour'
Earlier this spring specialist regional trading standards officers, Pembrokeshire County Council's trading standards team and Dyfed-Powys Police targeted the two shops in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven. They uncovered illegal tobacco, vapes and cash from two cars, used for concealing supplies to top up stock available in the stores, a large quantity of cash suspected to be from criminal activity was seized and one vehicle impounded by the police, for having no tax or insurance It is believed that many of the cigarettes seized would have ended up in the hands of children and young people in Pembrokeshire's poorest communities, which are targeted by criminals selling illegal tobacco at a significantly reduced cost. (Image: Google Street View/Pembrokeshire County Council) Illegal vapes are also of concern, as they may contain a much higher amount of nicotine than permitted by UK regulations. Among the other toxic ingredients found in counterfeit vapes are arsenic, lead and formaldehyde. Counterfeit cigarettes may also be contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic and lead The two shops; Vape Zone in High Street, Haverfordwest and K R Vape Shop in Charles Street, Milford Haven, were closed by Pembrokeshire County Council on April 16. The owners of both shops appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on May 1 to hear the council's application for a three-month closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. (Image: Google Street View) An earlier hearing, scheduled to take place on April 17, was adjourned at the request of the business' solicitor. The court heard how, in the council's opinion, the application for a closure order against each premises was necessary due to the nuisance to members of the public arising from the criminal behaviour. Magistrates also heard that closure was deemed necessary to prevent such nuisance or disorder from continuing or recurring. 'After retiring to consider the case presented on behalf of the council and representations made by the business's solicitor, the court returned to confirm that both orders would be granted, satisfied that the council's case had been made out,' said a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) Both vape shops must remain closed for three months. After this the council can apply for a further period of three months if warranted. Both premises have been secured and during the next three months it would be a criminal offence for any person to enter either vape shop, without being granted written permission by the council. 'Investigations are ongoing and criminal proceedings may follow,' said the council spokesperson. After the raids earlier this year Sergeant Claire Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: 'We will continue to target such establishments who are selling illegal contraband in Pembrokeshire, seizing cash, vehicles, and any other property linked to the running of these illegal operations.' If you think that someone is selling illegal tobacco, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit
Pembrokeshire Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Probation breach lands Milford Haven man with unpaid work order
Milford Haven and Haverfordwest stores closed for three months under emergency council powers TWO vape shops in Pembrokeshire have been forced to close for three months after enforcement officers seized illegal tobacco products and cash during a council-led operation. KR Vapes in Milford Haven and Vape Zone in Haverfordwest—both operated by the same owner—were the subject of closure orders granted at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court on Thursday (May 1). The orders were made under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Although the legislation is often associated with nuisance behaviour, in this case it was used by Pembrokeshire County Council to prevent further illegal sales of tobacco and related goods. A council-led investigation led to the seizure of a large quantity of cigarettes at KR Vapes on Charles Street, Milford Haven. A local witness told The Herald they saw officers leaving the premises with 'large clear evidence bags full of cigarette packets.' It is understood the products seized were either counterfeit or unlawfully imported foreign brands, not legally available for sale in the UK. The owner of both shops, who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity, claimed that approximately £3,000 in cash was also seized during the raid on the Milford Haven store. No criminal charges have been brought at this stage. The court heard only that notices had been served on both shops on April 16, and that the council was taking action to stop further unlawful trading while investigations continue. The owner had previously told this newspaper that he hoped to re-open in 30 days, but those hopes have now been dashed. The closure orders apply to the entirety of both premises. Entry is prohibited to all persons at all times unless specifically authorised in writing by Pembrokeshire County Council.
Pembrokeshire Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Vape shops closed by courts for three months after council crackdown
Milford Haven and Haverfordwest stores closed for three months under emergency council powers TWO vape shops in Pembrokeshire have been forced to close for three months after enforcement officers seized illegal tobacco products and cash during a council-led operation. KR Vapes in Milford Haven and Vape Zone in Haverfordwest—both operated by the same owner—were the subject of closure orders granted at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court on Thursday (May 1). The orders were made under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Although the legislation is often associated with nuisance behaviour, in this case it was used by Pembrokeshire County Council to prevent further illegal sales of tobacco and related goods. A council-led investigation led to the seizure of a large quantity of cigarettes at KR Vapes on Charles Street, Milford Haven. A local witness told The Herald they saw officers leaving the premises with 'large clear evidence bags full of cigarette packets.' It is understood the products seized were either counterfeit or unlawfully imported foreign brands, not legally available for sale in the UK. The owner of both shops, who spoke to The Herald on condition of anonymity, claimed that approximately £3,000 in cash was also seized during the raid on the Milford Haven store. No criminal charges have been brought at this stage. The court heard only that notices had been served on both shops on April 16, and that the council was taking action to stop further unlawful trading while investigations continue. The owner had previously told this newspaper that he hoped to re-open in 30 days, but those hopes have now been dashed. The closure orders apply to the entirety of both premises. Entry is prohibited to all persons at all times unless specifically authorised in writing by Pembrokeshire County Council.
Glasgow Times
26-04-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
When Japanese Knotweed flowers in the UK and how to remove
Many can lead to your home losing value, so it is important to know when to look out for these plants and how to report and or remove them. This aggressive plant grows quickly and its roots can burrow deep underground – sometimes up to 3 metres down. Here is all to know about Japanese Knotweed, including what it looks like, when it flowers in the UK and how to report and remove it. What does Japanese Knotweed look like and when does it flower in the UK? The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) describes Japanese Knotweed as "a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial". It grows "rapidly in summer and is most prominent from August to September", says Saga's home insurance and property expert Anna Thunstrom. She explained: "Keep an eye out for its characteristic shield or shovel-shaped leaves, along with clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom during late summer". However, the RHS warns that while Japanese knotweed stems die back in winter, in sheltered locations, dead stems may remain upright through the winter. What to do if I find Japanese Knotweed? While it is not an offence to have Japanese knotweed growing in your garden, it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild and you should take steps to prevent it spreading. Japanese Knotweed, now Europe's most invasive plant, won the Gold Medal from the Utrecht Society of Agriculture and Horticulture for best ornamental plant in 1847. — Quite Interesting (@qikipedia) February 15, 2019 It can also cause damage to your property, as the expert Ms Thunstrom explains: 'Japanese knotweed is particularly notorious for causing structural damage to buildings, potentially impacting the property's value. "As a result, sellers are obliged to disclose its presence." She also warns to act quick, as it could "anywhere between £1,000 to £12,000 to have Japanese Knotweed removed, depending on the garden size and severity of the infestation". Japanese Knotweed UK Law As the RHS explains: "Japanese knotweed is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Section 14, making it an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. "The penalties for offences under Section 14 include fines and imprisonment." While it is not illegal to have Japanese knotweed in your garden, it is important to control it to prevent it becoming a problem in your neighbourhood. As explained by the RHS as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, if Japanese Knotweed has a "detrimental effect of a persistent or continuing nature on the quality of life of those in the locality", property owners may be prosecuted. If problems with the plant happen in a neighbouring garden, you should be in touch with your neighbour about it before contacting your local council. Can I treat Japanese Knotweed myself? How to get rid of it It is advised to get professionals to come and remove Japanese Knotweed. Thomson Environmental Consultants are experts in invasive species management, and have experience in controlling and managing Japanese Knotweed. Craig Godbehere, a site supervisor and certified surveyor in Japanese Knotweed at Thomson, explained various control measures that can be used to manage the Japanese Knotweed on a site. These are: In-situ treatment using approved herbicides Controlled contaminated soils from the site to an approved facility using an approved waste carrier Burial at either 5m with a cap or 2m completely encapsulated Stockpiling of the contaminated soils Soil screening/sieving with potential re-use on-site 'Installation of Root Barriers' where all contamination can't be removed Mr Godbehere added: "Strict biosecurity measures should be enforced to prevent the accidental spread of the Japanese Knotweed. "All plants, vehicles, equipment, and clothing must be thoroughly cleaned before leaving contaminated areas. "Cleaning should take place in the location (or immediate vicinity) where the soil or living material originated before equipment and personnel leave the buffer zone." Recommended reading: He also explained how herbicide treatment is regularly used, as this is usually the most cost-effective option. However, he warned that herbicide treatment shouldn't be used in isolation where there is likely to be future soil disturbance around the infested area. "If this option is used, achieving the desired results may take many years," he said.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Every Salford area hit by dispersal order after gun pointed at crowd in night of terror
Police chiefs have beefed up their powers for 24 hours after a night of terror on Salford's streets. Screams were heard as a gun was pointed at a crowd in Charlestown, while officers broke up fighting among a large group of youths. Armed police stormed Romney Street and Littleton Road at around 9.30pm on Monday night (April 14) following reports of a disturbance involving a gun. READ MORE: Salford incident LIVE: Huge cordon with seven arrests after gun pointed at crowd and crossbow found - updates READ MORE: Moment gun is pointed at crowd on Salford street before armed police storm scene Officers seized a crossbow and arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. Six teenagers, aged 16 to 18, were arrested on suspicion of affray - while Greater Manchester Police says several young people were returned home from the scene. The force issued a dispersal order on large parts of Charlestown at 10.47pm last night, lasting 24 hours into tonight. The order was issued under section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and means police can order anyone to move on while it remains in force, to prevent further disorder. It covers Cheetham Street West, Littleton Road, Poppy Lane, Langley Road South and Lissadel Street - plus several smaller streets in between them. A map showing every area issued the dispersal order can be seen below. A cordon remains in place today (Tuesday) and police are expected to remain in the area throughout the day. Detective Superintendent Simon Moyles, of GMP, said: "Our frontline officer's rapid response to a concerning report prevented what could have been a dangerous incident from occurring. "There was a large group of youths gathering in the area, and officers intervened in fights and helped several young people return home safely. Thankfully, no one at the scene required medical treatment. "Our investigation is moving at a pace; we have arrested seven people and taken a weapon off the streets while enquiries are ongoing. "A police presence will remain in the area as we conduct enquiries and gather evidence. Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling around to provide reassurance to the local community. "We understand an incident of this nature will cause alarm, and we encourage anyone with concerns to speak with a neighbourhood officer; they are there to help. You can also contact a local officer via the Your Area page on our website. "If you have any information to support our investigation, call 101, quoting log 3631 – 14/04/2025 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
