More powers 'welcome' to tackle illegal mini-marts

Changes to the law giving councils more powers to tackle businesses selling illegal goods would be "welcome", a senior official has said.

Dan Swaine, executive director for place at Doncaster Council, made the comments after the recent rape convictions of Hexthorpe Mini Market worker Bawan Hawre, who lured underage girls to his flat with the promise of free vapes and cash.

Swaine said Trading Standards had previously seized counterfeit goods from the shop and that the wider trade in illicit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes was a nationwide issue linked to organised crime.

Reform UK councillors in Doncaster said residents had "repeatedly" raised concerns about Hexthorpe Mini Market.

Sheffield Crown Court heard Harwe, an Iraqi national, targeted girls aged 12 to 16, plied them with drink and drugs, and raped or abused them.

He was jailed for 29 years on Thursday.

His accomplice, Sharam Muhamadi, originally from Iran, who was convicted of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation, failed to attend the hearing.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed it had launched a manhunt for the 21-year-old, who was granted bail following an application from his defence.

The case has drawn attention to crimes taking place in mini-marts across the country.

Swaine said in a statement: "Firstly, our thoughts are with the young girls and their families who were victims of these heinous crimes, and we commend the bravery of the victims in speaking out and bringing those responsible to account.

"Counterfeit tobacco, illicit cigarettes and illegal vapes are a problem on a national scale, with supply being linked to large international serious organised criminal networks.

"We would welcome further changes in the law to give councils more powers to deal with this problem."

Reform group leader Howard Rimmer and his deputy, Russ Linley, who represents Hexthorpe and Balby North, called for a "full review" of enforcement activity on Hexthorpe Road over recent years.

They also called for stronger powers to close premises "repeatedly associated with criminal activity", the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

In an open letter to senior figures at Doncaster Council, Rimmer said "concerns regarding illegal tobacco sales, underage vaping, anti-social behaviour, organised criminality" had been known in the area for some time.

"The overwhelming majority of local businesses operate honestly and responsibly," he said.

"They too have suffered reputational damage and economic harm as a result of criminal activity being allowed to flourish in parts of the community."

Swaine said members of the public could assist the council in cracking down on the issues by reporting any concerns they may have about the practices of local businesses to Trading Standards.

"We act on every piece of intelligence we get and will continue to do so," he said.

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