ILLEGAL and counterfeit cigarettes worth £30,000 were seized by police from houses attached to shops in Rugby town centre.
Operation Sorrento – a collaboration between Rugby Police, Rugby Borough Council, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue, UK Border Agency and Warwickshire Trading Standards – raided ‘residential premises attached to commercial properties’ on Thursday September 13.
A specialist tobacco search dog helped them find illegal and counterfeit tobacco at two houses in Church Street.
PC Rebecca Bailey, beat manager for Rugby Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are delighted with the result of this operation, and it shows what can be achieved when partner agencies come together to solve problems.
“The sale and supply of illegal and counterfeit tobacco will not be tolerated in Warwickshire and I hope this sends a clear message to those who show no respect for the law. We will use all of our collective powers to disrupt this type of activity.
“I would encourage anyone with information about similar activity to report this to either police or trading standards.”
A SPATE of thefts from cars took place in Hillmorton last weekend.
Police received seven reports of vehicles being entered overnight.
Officers advised residents to be vigilant, keep vehicles locked and secured, not leave anything on display and not leave anything expensive in their vehicle.
A number of sightings, descriptions and CCTV images are currently being investigated.
Anyone with any information can contact Warwickshire Police on 01788 541111 or 101.