Full closure order secured for vape shop in Rickmansworth

The order, which relates to the Yellow Express vape shop on the High Street, was granted at St Albans Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 19 February), under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Anyone who breaches the terms of the order, which prevents anyone from entering the property for three months, could face arrest and a fine, imprisonment or both.

This comes after authorities received numerous reports about the premises relating to the suspected sale of illegal products, as well as reported breaches of advertising regulations.

In response, the Rickmansworth Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) worked alongside Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards and HMRC after the shop was deemed to be having a negative impact on the local community.

On Tuesday 18 February, all three agencies attended Yellow Express alongside officers from a HMRC dog unit to serve the initial closure notice before the full order was granted yesterday (19 February).

Now businesses and residents are being urged to report any concerns or incidents in relation to this shop to police.

Sergeant Gary Yam, from the Rickmansworth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have spent time collaborating with our partners to gather evidence for the closure order, so we are pleased that it has been granted by the court.

“Following the enforcement of the order items including vapes and children’s toys were seized, and the investigation is continuing as led by Trading Standards. As part of police enquiries, we are actively encouraging the public to report their concerns regarding this premises if they haven’t already done so by emailing us at sntrickmansworth@bch.police.uk.”

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, use online web chat at herts.police.uk/contactor call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.