Suspected stolen bottles of alcohol and illegal tobacco products were seized by Evesham Town Centre Team yesterday (Thursday 14 November) during two warrants at retail premises.

Officers from Evesham, supported by the South Worcestershire Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT), joined Trading Standards officers at Mini Market Evesham and First Choice Off Licence on Port Street for the warrants.

Nothing was found in the store of Mini Market, however three holdall size bags containing suspected illegal cigarettes and illicit tobacco pouches with an estimated street value of £2,500 were found on a roof at the rear of the property.

No arrests were made but the counterfeit tobacco products have been seized by Trading Standards who are investigating the matter further.

At First Choice Off Licence, officers seized an axe, and 99 bottles of wines and spirits suspected to be stolen with an estimated street value of £1,000. A man in his 20s is due to attend the police station for a voluntary interview about the suspected stolen goods.

Police Sergeant Duncan Eades of Evesham Town Centre Team said: “Yesterday we executed two successful warrants at retail premises on Port Street in Evesham in response to community concerns around the suspected sales of stolen goods and illegal tobacco products.

“We will not tolerate the illegal sale of goods in our town. Acquisitive crime is a priority for us - it not only impacts our community, but it also impacts the retailers which can have a knock-on effect to all shoppers on the prices of goods we buy in stores.

“We are warning anyone who tries to sell stolen goods or illegal tobacco products in Evesham we will be watching you and will be paying you a visit if we suspect criminal activity.

“The public are our eyes and ears on the ground so if you think you suspect criminal activities near you please approach your Safer Neighbourhood Officer or report it to us via our website Report A Crime | West Mercia Police.”