Thurrock Council is encouraging residents and businesses to help tackle the sale of illegal tobacco, including concerns about tobacco being sold to underage customers.

Launching a local campaign, the council says: "Illegal tobacco and vapes are not harmless bargains. Cheap or counterfeit products may be unsafe, unregulated and can make it easier for young people to access tobacco and nicotine products.

"The illegal trade can also have a wider impact on local communities. Profits from illegal tobacco and vape sales can help fund organised crime, while honest businesses are undercut by traders who ignore the law.

"Across the UK, enforcement action against illegal tobacco and vape sales has led to seizures, prosecutions and business closures, highlighting the wider impact of this criminal trade.

Illegal tobacco and vape poster with QR code

"Residents and businesses who suspect illegal tobacco or vape sales in Thurrock are being encouraged to report concerns anonymously. This includes concerns about tobacco being sold to under-18s or adults purchasing tobacco on behalf of children and young people.

"Reports can be made quickly using the council's dedicated online reporting form, and people do not need to provide their name.

"Working together, residents and businesses can help protect young people, support honest traders and disrupt criminal activity in Thurrock.

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"Illegal tobacco, vape sales and underage tobacco sales can be reported anonymously by scanning the QR code on campaign materials or by completing a short online reporting form. "