A hard hitting campaign has been launched by Crimestoppers to stop the sale of illegal tobacco in local communities.
The aim is to reduce the amount of illegal tobacco being sold through avenues such as car boot sales and pubs. Figures reveal that the UK saw an almost 50% rise in the consumption of counterfeit and contraband cigarettes last year.
It is estimated that there are four billion illicit cigarettes in circulation in the UK, as well as 4,400 tons of illicit rolling tobacco.
The campaign will use radio advertisements and online tools such as Facebook and Twitter to reach the target areas, raising awareness of the damage that sales of illegal tobacco have on local communities and the links with organised crime groups.
Crimstoppers says these groups can often have links to serious crimes such as human trafficking and the purchase of weapons.
As a result of the raised awareness, the aim is for local people to contact Crimestoppers anonymously to pass on any information they might have on those selling the products.
In a survey conducted by the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association, 29% of the 12,077 respondents said they were aware of illicit tobacco being sold in their area, but when asked if they had reported this, only 14 per cent said they had done so.
The same survey also reveals that 69 per cent of respondents believe organised criminal gangs gain from the sale of illicit tobacco.
Roger Critchell, Director of Operations for Crimestoppers, said: “While some will see illegal tobacco as a victimless crime, I can strongly reject this, with this campaign highlighting the impact it has on our communities.
“The links this trade has to serious organised crime and gangs are very real, and they are operating in your area, which has a detrimental effect on your community and the lives of their victims.
“This is why we are reaching out to these three communities to tell us who is committing this crime, safe in the knowledge you will remain completely anonymous. I would urge you to look beyond just the issue of illegal tobacco, and to the major impact it has on funding other crimes. Tell us anonymously who’s selling it, and help stop the crimes you don’t see.”
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