Police have closed Holbeach and Spalding shops

Police have closed three shops for selling illegal cigarettes and vapes.

Two Spalding stores, EU Vapes and Spalding European, along with Holbeach’s Yellow Store will not be able to open until the summer following an operation by the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Sgt Callum Corder said, “In close collaboration with our partners, Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards, we have again imposed closure orders, these shops have been involved in the sale of illegal tobacco products and vapes.

“We remind everyone that these shop closures are not just a case of preventing individuals from selling cheap tobacco products. Illicit tobacco sales are often linked to larger, well-organised networks of criminal activity.

“Addressing this issue is one part of our broader commitment to uncover, disrupt and prevent deeper criminal activity – ultimately creating safer and more welcoming communities across Lincolnshire.”

Police carried out the operation on April 29 - and the details have only now been released.

Yellow Shop 5 High Street, Holbeach, will remain closed until 11.59pm on August 13.

While EU Vapes, based in 10A Station Street, and Spalding European, of Winsover Road, are not allowed to re-open until 11.59pm on July 29.

A social media statement adds: “It is deemed that making a closure order was necessary to prevent further criminal activity on the premises.

“The order prohibits anyone from remaining on or entering the property with a few exceptions to allow maintenance. If anyone does anything which they are prohibited from doing by this order, they are liable for arrest and could receive up to 51 weeks in prison, or a fine, or both.”