Operation Vulcan and undercover Police Cadets test retailers on vape and cigarette sales
Operation Vulcan, in collaboration with Police Cadets and Trading Standards, conducted undercover test purchases in Derker to check retailer compliance with age-restricted sales of vapes and cigarettes. Two out of four shops sold vapes to underage purchasers, prompting enforcement action. Retailers in breach will attend mandatory education sessions focusing on child criminal exploitation, legal responsibilities, and improving police-retailer relations. Inspector Dan Cullum emphasized the importance of preventing minors' access to these products and highlighted ongoing multi-agency efforts to safeguard young people in Oldham and Greater Manchester.
Undercover Sting Nabs Derker Shops Selling Vapes to Minors
Police cadets working undercover successfully purchased vapes from two Derker shops during a targeted sting operation aimed at protecting young people from accessing age-restricted products. The test purchases, conducted by Operation Vulcan in partnership with Trading Standards, revealed concerning violations at half of the four shops visited.
The undercover operation sends minors into retailers to attempt buying restricted items like vapes and cigarettes. When shops fail these compliance checks, Trading Standards launches enforcement action against the offending retailers.
Shop workers who sold to the underage test purchasers must now attend mandatory education sessions covering child criminal exploitation awareness, legal responsibilities for age-restricted sales, and building stronger relationships with police for intelligence sharing.
Inspector Dan Cullum from Operation Vulcan expressed alarm at the results: “This situation is understandably concerning. These products pose significant risks to children, and it’s vital we do everything we can to prevent access. Shop workers play a crucial role in preventing minors from having access to vapes and cigarettes. While it was disappointing to see two shops fail this test, it highlights where we need to focus our efforts.”
Operation Vulcan continues collaborating with local schools, youth workers, and community members across Oldham and Greater Manchester to gather intelligence and implement proactive safeguarding measures as part of their broader multi-agency approach to protecting young people.
Residents can report retailers selling age-restricted items to minors by calling 101, using the Live Chat function on the Greater Manchester Police website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
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