The number of illegal cigarettes, vapes and counterfeit items seized in Wigan in 2025 revealed

In partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Wigan Council’s trading standards team has seized a total of 20,767 packs of illegal cigarettes, as well as 1,418 packets of hand-rolled tobacco and 2,812 vapes, which comes to a total value of around £145,000.

Coun Kevin Anderson, the council’s portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: “The vast number of illegal products seized by trading standards highlights the team’s relentless work in targeting rogue traders and ensuring our residents feel safe in the products they purchase. “However, the number of seizures also highlights the scale of the problem, underlining the need for a continued and co-ordinated effort to target those responsible and deter others from this activity.”

The borough’s Community Safety Partnership between trading standards, police and other partners has stepped up enforcement action against those responsible.

In Leigh, Bry’s Mini Market was forced to close for three months following repeated seizures of illicit tobacco and vapes, while Euroshop, in Wigan town centre, was shut by the courts for more than two months following underage sales and seizures of illicit tobacco.

One person from Leigh was prosecuted after 5,100 packs of illicit cigarettes and 1,300 illicit vapes – valued at more £66,000 – were seized, while a car found to be storing illegal tobacco was recently seized in Tyldesley.

In other enforcement action, a rogue trader was prosecuted for taking £37,000 from two residents and will be sentenced next month.

This was after the trader demanded £10,000 for poor roofing work in Atherton and £28,000 from an 80-year-old Leigh resident for non-existent work.

Additionally, following nationwide safety concerns and choking hazards from the sale of fake Labubu toys, the trading standards team seized 1,800 counterfeit items that were on sale in shops across the borough.

Trading standards also operate a Neighbourhood Champions initiative to help tackle rogue traders calling uninvited at homes.

So far, 22 volunteers have signed up to give advice to residents and help protect them from doorstep crime, with more than 3,000 houses visited across the borough.

Its Good Trader Scheme helps residents find reputable traders for a range of domestic services, using verified reviews to give consumers confidence and reassurance in their choices.

With more than 160 local traders vetted and around 30,000 resident enquiries per year, it is one of the largest local authority-run trader schemes in the country.

Coun Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, added: “The investigations, vetting and enforcement action undertaken by our trading standards team highlights their tireless work in tackling unscrupulous traders and deceitful businesses.

“Often going under the radar, the team’s work is vital in keeping residents protected from unsafe work and harmful, often illegal, goods and I encourage all residents to report concerns of rogue traders to trading standards or the police.”

More information about trading standards can be found on the council’s website, along with details of how to become a neighbourhood champion.