Vapes seized as part of joint operation in Watford

A large quantity of illegal vapes were seized during a joint operation in Watford on Tuesday (22 October).

The day of action in Market Street involved officers from the constabulary’s Halo team, local neighbourhood officers, Trading Standards and HMRC.

Six premises were visited following local concerns that shops may be selling vapes to underage children.

Recent intelligence also suggests that children could be being sexually exploited in return for vapes, which they cannot legally buy themselves.

Whilst visiting each of the premises, officers took the opportunity to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE), how to spot the signs and how to report it.

During the joint operation, Trading Standards also seized over 800 illegal vapes from two premises which will be further investigated. There’s a variety of criteria that vapes need to meet, including appropriate labelling and health warnings. Further information can be found on the government website: Use and sale of illegal vapes - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)

Sergeant Dan Piper from the Halo team said: “Our team specifically investigates child sexual exploitation. As part of our investigations, we have learnt that children could be exploited in return for vapes. Although an adult may purchase the vape, they could then give this to a child in return for sexual acts.

“We spoke to a number of retailers to highlight the signs of CSE and handed out leaflets to raise awareness. Signs to look out for include adults befriending young people and buying them things, noticing adults that attend locations with different young people, younger individuals hanging around locations and interacting with older people and younger people loitering late at night or at times when they should be at school or college for example.

“We also reminded shopkeepers that vapes should only be sold to people aged 18 and above. To sell any of these products to anyone under the age limit is considered a criminal offence.

“If anyone has any concerns or wishes to report something, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

Further information about CSE can be found on our website: Child sexual exploitation | Hertfordshire Constabulary (herts.police.uk)

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.