FIVE vape sellers in Droitwich were caught selling the nicotine products to underage children during a targeted day of police action on Tuesday (April 23).
Over the course of the day, West Mercia Police joined Worcestershire Trading Standards in visits to nine vape shops in a bid to clamp down on children having illegal access to the harmful products.
The day, dubbed Operation Forefront, saw a total of 16 arrests across South Worcestershire for various offences including drug dealing, sexual offences, domestic abuse, theft, fraud, and harassment.
As well as the arrests, £700 of drugs including heroin, cannabis, ketamine, and ecstasy were seized. A total of 24 traffic offence reports (TORs) were issued.
A total of 52 offences were recorded across the whole policing area.
South Worcestershire local policing commander, superintendent Gareth Morgan, said: “This successful day of action put the spotlight on the work South Worcestershire Local Policing Area carries out to protect the public not just on days like this, but every single day of the year.
“We are here 24/7 to protect and serve the public we but they too have a very important part to play in helping to keep our communities in South Worcestershire safe, as they are our extra eyes and ears in the ongoing fight against crime.
“Criminality of any kind will not be tolerated by West Mercia Police, and I hope the success of this intensive day of action will send that message to potential offenders.”
