Wolverhampton Police have secured a three-month closure order for The Hair Shop in Lichfield Street, following a sustained period of criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, and alleged drug dealing. The order was granted by Walsall magistrates on Thursday, July 2, after police worked with Trading Standards and Wolverhampton Local Authority Children’s Services to address concerns that young people were being exposed to harmful products and criminality.
Police raid reveals concealed storeroom
In April, officers from the Serious Organised Crime team and local neighbourhood officers, accompanied by Wolverhampton Trading Standards, executed a search of the premises. They discovered a concealed rear storeroom hidden behind wigs hung on the wall. Suspected cannabis was recovered from the room, and two men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. Both men remain on bail as investigations continue.
Inspector warns of 'hot spot' for drug activity
Wolverhampton City Centre Inspector Sophie Clement said: 'The focus of our activity is always to reduce crime and disorder and make the city feel a safer place. We were made aware of illicit activity at this shop which was creating a hot spot for drug-related activity, and we were concerned that young people were being put at risk.'
Partnership approach to protect young people
Inspector Clement added: 'Working with partners at Trading Standards, our teams have taken action to close this business premises, our primary goal to protect the young people of our city and deter criminality like this which puts an illegal business ahead of the safety of our wider community.'
The closure order prohibits anyone from entering the premises for three months. Police are urging anyone with concerns about suspicious activity at a premises or building to call 101 or speak anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
