TWO barbershops were raided by immigration officials – resulting in one arrest being made. 

Around five to six uniformed immigration officers were in Wareham on Thursday afternoon, July 25 to crack down on “criminal gangs”. 

They went into the Kings Barber Shop in West Street first of all but no offences were reported. 

However, on a visit to Wareham Barbers Shop, immigration enforcement arrested one man who was later bailed for breaching his work conditions. 

A civil penalty referral notice has been issued to the business.  

A Home Office spokesman said: “The way that criminal gangs treat people when they are employed illegally is inhumane and abhorrent. 

“Vulnerable individuals can find themselves trapped in unsafe and insecure conditions, facing exploitation and even modern-day slavery, often facilitated by organised criminal gangs.” 

Illegal working visits increased by 73 per cent in 2023 compared with 2022 with overall arrests from enforcement visits in 2023 more than doubling in comparison with 2022.  

The Home Office said it is “removing those with no right to be in the UK”. 

The civil penalty for employing illegal workers was increased on February 13 and employers can be issued with a penalty of up to £60,000 per worker.