Crime gangs' fake firms are 'biggest threat to High St'

ORGANISED crime gangs are now operating so many fake businesses they are considered the number one threat to stricken shops.

- BY PAUL JEEVES Crime Editor

Police examine vapes. Top right, hidden stash and, right, raid in Manchester

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute warns the scale of organised crime operating in high streets is harming any notion of a level playing field for business.

And the problem has become so severe it is jeopardising government ambitions to grow the economy, it is claimed.

The CTSI says an urgent injection of cash is needed in the Budget to tackle the crime epidemic by funding initiatives proved to be successful in disrupting the gangs.

This includes long-term funding for the Clear, Hold, Build scheme - a three-step plan developed by the Home Office for police to tackle serious and organised crime that first involves clearing an area of criminals with sweeping arrest powers.