Sandwell Council’s campaign to tackle the sale of illegal goods in Cradley Heath has reached another milestone after a seventh shop was ordered to close by the courts.
A three-month Closure Order was granted for Vape Express at Dudley Magistrates’ Court today following action by Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards team and partner agencies.
The latest order means seven premises in Cradley Heath have been subject to closure orders as part of an extensive intelligence-led operation targeting businesses involved in suspected illegal activity.
The council has worked over recent months to gather evidence, disrupt criminal activity and protect legitimate businesses operating in the town centre.
The latest closure follows a series of successful court applications that have resulted in multiple shops being shut down after investigations uncovered the sale of illicit and illegal goods.
A separate case involving Famous Shop was also before the court and has been adjourned pending a future hearing date.
Councillor Bob Jones, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said:
“This latest closure shows that our commitment to tackling illegal activity in Cradley Heath remains as strong as ever.”
“When concerns were raised about criminal activity in the town centre, we promised residents and businesses that we would take decisive action. Today’s court decision means seven premises have now been closed, demonstrating that we are following through on that commitment.”
“The vast majority of traders in Cradley Heath are honest, hardworking businesses that contribute positively to the local economy. They deserve a level playing field and residents deserve to feel confident that unlawful activity will not be tolerated.”
“We will continue working with the police and our partners to investigate intelligence, build robust cases and take action wherever it is needed.”
The closure forms part of Sandwell Council’s wider efforts to tackle organised criminality, support community safety and strengthen confidence in local high streets.
The council has consistently argued that the sale of illicit tobacco, illegal vapes and counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime. Such activity can undermine legitimate businesses, harm public health and, in some cases, be linked to wider criminal networks.
Earlier this year, national media attention highlighted concerns about alleged illegal activity in some Cradley Heath businesses. Since then, Sandwell Council, Trading Standards and West Midlands Police have intensified enforcement activity, resulting in a series of court-ordered closures and ongoing investigations.
Further enforcement action will continue where evidence supports it.
More information
- Sandwell Trading Standards have closed 7 premises on Cradley Heath High Street in less than 3 months
- Famous Shop has been adjourned until 2pm on the 2nd October 2026 at Walsall Magistrates Court. Yesterday Dudley Magistrates issued a temporary closure order on this premises until 23:59hrs on the 2nd October 2026.
- We have closure order applications against a further 2 premises on Cradley Heath High Street in Dudley Magistrates Court at 2pm on Wednesday 30th September 2026.
