Rochdale Borough launches action to tackle illegal vaping and child sexual exploitation

Last week, the Rochdale Borough Council's police and partners launched a two-day operation aimed at holding local businesses accountable and tackling venues suspected of selling illegal products to minors.

These activities were organized by the multi-agency "Sunrise Integrated Protection Team" based at Rochdale Police Station, which includes officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), children's services, youth workers, social workers, health professionals, housing officials, trading standards officers, and public protection personnel. On December 13 (Wednesday), police and partners from Rochdale Trading Standards took to the streets to visit locations suspected of selling vaping devices to minors. A total of nearly 2000 illegal vaping devices were seized by trading standards.

A minor volunteer conducted multiple test purchases, illegally buying two vaping devices.

The purpose of the test purchases was to ensure that local shops do not sell vaping devices to minors, and any businesses found to be in violation will face further investigation and enforcement action.

Later, police visited areas where young people gather, where they could access free food, alcohol, vaping devices, and drugs. Police regularly engage with them to inform them about how the "Sunrise Team" supports them and provide opportunities for informal conversations with police and social workers.

Chief Detective Officer Stuart Round from Greater Manchester Police's Sunrise Team stated: “The illegal supply of vaping devices remains a top priority in the area, as they are often a gateway to child exploitation. Vaping devices pose serious health risks and are often used to lure young people.

“They are used to build relationships or to ask young people to sell vaping devices, which can lead to them being coerced into selling drugs or providing sexual services.

“This lifestyle or the prospect of making money is often very appealing to young people, but once they are caught up in it, it is difficult to escape.”

Rochdale Borough Council leader Councillor Neil Emmott stated: “Our trading standards team continues to work around the clock with partners to ensure the safety of Rochdale residents.

“Test purchases, visits, and seizures are routine parts of the trading standards team's disruption activities. The nicotine contained in illegal vaping devices far exceeds the permitted amount. Like any highly addictive substance, there is a risk of children being exploited by becoming addicted to it.

“The team continues to share intelligence with partners to disrupt the sale and supply of illegal vaping devices.”

On December 14 (Thursday), police visited several businesses in Rochdale, including hotels and taxi ranks, engaging with staff and empowering them to address sexual exploitation through awareness and training. In the new year, police will conduct training sessions with partners aimed at increasing their knowledge and confidence in identifying signs of exploitation. Staff in these businesses can often bring about change for victims.

Due to year-round visits, many hotel staff reported that they could recognize signs of sexual exploitation. However, some expressed a lack of confidence in speaking up if they had concerns; police will work closely with businesses to build these relationships, enabling staff to report any concerns confidently.

Chief Detective Officer Stuart Round stated: “These visits have been very positive, and it is encouraging to see many staff aware of the signs of exploitation and knowing how to report these issues to the police. In the new year, we will continue to focus on education in this area and provide businesses with the materials and training they need to help them identify suspicious behavior or activities in their premises.

“Regular proactive work is ongoing throughout the region, and we continue to pursue criminals and bring them to justice. These operations occur monthly, including high-visibility patrols on our streets, increasing visits to problem areas to combat illegal activities, while also engaging with young people on exploitation issues. We hope to build relationships and ensure they know where to seek support.”