Court orders closure of two more shops

The three-month orders on 12 Murray Street and 129 Raby Road were granted by Teesside Magistrates following an application by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team.

They are the latest in a series of Closure Orders obtained on commercial premises in the town in recent months as part of an on-going clampdown.

The magistrates heard that both shops were amongst a number of premises targeted by a joint enforcement operation involving Trading Standards, Cleveland Police and HM Revenue and Customs which took place on 26th June 2025.

Thousands of cigarettes were seized from both premises, along with a significant amount of hand-rolling tobacco from one of the shops.

129 Raby Road

The magistrates heard that if the orders were not made there was no doubt that criminal behaviour would continue at the premises, causing nuisance for those living and working in the surrounding area.

They were also told that the continued sale of counterfeit, non-duty paid tobacco would be to the detriment of people’s health, and it would also impact on the viability of local businesses operating within the law.

12 Murray Street

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “We are determined to make life as difficult as possible for those involved in the sale of illicit tobacco products and we will continue to take legal action to close down premises from which they are operating whenever and wherever possible.

“I would like to thank our Trading Standards Team for their professionalism and tenacity in trying to tackle this serious problem.

“Illicit tobacco products pose a serious public health risk and they undermine legitimate businesses, so I would urge people not to support this illegal trade and to tell the Police or Trading Standards if they have any suspicions or information.”

Whilst the Closure Orders are in force, nobody is allowed access to the premises apart from officers of the local authority.

Anyone who witnesses an order being breached should call Cleveland Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.