An MP has welcomed a crackdown on high street businesses suspected of links to organised crime.
West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin raised concerns about the high concentration of barbers, sweet shops and vape shops that have appeared in many town centres.
Premises in Malvern and Pershore have been raided by police for selling illicit goods.
Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) wrote to Dame Harriett to update her on its work with West Mercia Police’s Economic Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency to target premises suspected of being involved in organised crime.
It explained that the barbering sector is unregulated and the opening of shops is not discouraged by current planning rules.
Dame Harriett said: “Local people have noticed these businesses popping up everywhere but rarely have any customers inside.
“Naturally this raises questions about their legitimacy.
“I am glad that Worcestershire Regulatory Services are working with the police to investigate organised crime and take enforcement action where necessary.
“Vibrant high streets drive local commerce and jobs and are the heart of their communities.
“Supporting them means stamping out organised crime and antisocial behaviour.
“Following a hearing we organised on the Treasury Select Committee I recently met with the Chief Superintendent to discuss the explosion of vape shops locally and I am glad that the authorities are looking at barbershops too.”