THREE takeaways in Hartlepool were raided last night as part of an operation to tackle serious and organised crime.

Cleveland Police targeted the business at around 5pm as part of Operation Sentinel.

During the raids an amount of tobacco was seized from addresses on both York Road and Raby Road by customs officers.

While Immigration Enforcement officers carried out checks on workers at two shops on York Road finding that four staff were potentially working in the UK illegally.

A misuse of drugs warrant was also executed at one of the premises on York Road however no drugs were seized.

Sergeant Adrian Dack, of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team, said: “This joint operation shows how together we can tackle the effects of organised crime with the assistance and support of our partners.

"The drive and desire from them to support us in taking positive action is commendable.

"We are collectively sending out the message that the community won’t tolerate such criminality and they are providing us with the information that enables us to get on the front foot.

"The Community is seeing the results of our proactivity and how we have been able to maximise our opportunities by utilising the powers of our partners. There is more to come from us as we wont stop there.”

The police worked in conjunction with officers from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement and Cleveland Fire Brigade at three shops located on York Road and Raby Road at 5pm on Saturday evening.

  • Anyone with information with regards to drugs or other illegal activity can contact Cleveland Police on 101 or the Hartlepool Community Safety Team on 01429-523100.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org