A MULTI-agency response has been launched to prevent the sale of illegal items in Bournemouth shops.

Bournemouth neighbourhood policing team and Bournemouth force support group joined the Trading Standards team to target shops and bars in the town and Charminster in an ‘effort to curb the sale of illegal items.’

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Many of these tobacco or vape based items are unsafe and have not been rigorously tested like the legitimate items sold in most stores.”

One of the premises investigated by the team had 30kg of illegal items that could have been smoked unknowingly by people.

A Dorset Police spokesperson added: “We take all areas of public safety seriously at Bournemouth NPT and work with many different agencies to make it a more enjoyable place to live or visit.

“If you see us on our high vis patrols this afternoon please say hello to the officers.  We have already arrest one person for prison recall and will be out looking for more.”

The Daily Echo has contacted the BCP Council for details on their involvement in the operation.