A shop in Cradley Heath that was selling illicit products branded as 'Mickey Mouse tobacco' has been shut down for a minimum of three months following a joint operation by Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police.
Closure Order Obtained After Eight-Month Investigation
Cradley Market, located at 16 Market Square, High Street, Cradley Heath, was forced to close on Thursday, July 2, after a closure order was granted by the court. The action followed an eight-month intelligence-led investigation into illegal activity at the premises.
Sandwell Council leader Councillor Ray Nock (Charlemont with Grove Vale, Reform UK) described the products as 'Mickey Mouse tobacco', referring to counterfeit or illicit tobacco and vapes being sold illegally.
Second Shop Also Closed, Owners Contesting
Another shop was also closed during the same operation, although its owners are contesting the findings. That premises will remain closed until a court hearing takes place.
The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to 'protect local high streets' and disrupt criminal behaviour, according to the council.
Council and Police Statement
A Sandwell Council spokesperson said: 'The joint operation took place this week following an eight-month long intelligence-led investigation. It forms part of ongoing action to disrupt criminal behaviour and ensure businesses operate lawfully following residents' concerns about activity in the area. We have successfully asked the court for the maximum closure of three months.'
The spokesperson added: 'Government has launched a one-month consultation on the duration of closure orders under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The proposal is to amend the maximum duration of a closure order to 12 months. The council fully support plans to extend this period of closure.'
Council Leader Comments
Councillor Ray Nock said: 'Our high streets should be a destination for Sandwell residents to enjoy and people rightly expect their communities to be safe, lawful, and welcoming places — and that is exactly what we are working to deliver. This week's operation demonstrates clear, coordinated action with West Midlands Police to tackle illegal activity and hold those responsible to account. We are increasing visible enforcement and taking firm action where there is evidence of wrongdoing.'
The council has made tackling criminal activity on high streets a priority, with a renewed focus on enforcement, partnership working and intelligence gathering.
Cabinet Member and Police Inspector Weigh In
Councillor Bob Jones Nock (Charlemont with Grove Vale, Reform UK), Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, added: 'We know the impact this kind of activity can have on local communities and legitimate businesses. That is why we are taking a proactive approach — working with police and partners to disrupt criminal behaviour and support businesses that are doing the right thing.'
Inspector Amrit Jhitta from Sandwell Police said: 'We are continually working with our partners to listen to your concerns and tackle illegal activity. If we receive information about crime linked to shops then we will always fully investigate and look to identify and prosecute anyone involved. We would urge anyone with information to contact us and our partner agencies. The more evidence and intelligence we receive means we have a better opportunity of combating any illegal activities.'
Future Enforcement Powers
The council said it will be responding to the Government's recently announced consultation on strengthening enforcement powers for local authorities. Councillor Nock added: 'Organised criminal activity on high streets is a national issue, and councils are on the frontline of tackling it. Stronger powers, alongside robust local action, will be key to protecting our communities and restoring confidence in our high streets.'
Further updates will be provided following due legal process, the council confirmed.
