Mums demand answers for illegal Rochdale tobacco sales

Rochdale mums who are worried about the impact illegal tobacco is having on their communities have inspired a new crack down which hopes to ‘Get Some Answers’ about how it ends up in the hands of children and young people in their area.

Over 8,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17 in the North West admitted to regularly buying illegal cigarettes last year, according to a survey by Trading Standards in the North West.

A recent YouGov survey highlighted that 74% of people support a crack down on tobacco smuggling. Around 75% - many of them mums - who took part in a 2009 survey were more likely to report someone for selling tobacco if they thought their own children may be at risk from being targeted.

Responding to this and public concern, the ‘Get Some Answers’ Campaign is being launched today by Smokefree North West and enforcement teams from Trading Standards in Rochdale.

The campaign, which is launching in Rochdale on Thursday June 24, will target mums and other concerned residents with clean graffiti adverts, street teams, large billboards and posters to encourage people to report illegal tobacco activity that is happening in their area.

‘Get Some Answers’ will ask residents to call crime stoppers or trading standards confidentially with any information they have.

Michelle Loughlin, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, commented: “Illegal tobacco is easily available and cheap, making it a key reason why children and young people are able to start smoking. This campaign will now give parents the opportunity in Rochdale to change things and tackle this problem.”

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We know there are many concerned residents in Rochdale who may not have known how serious this issue is or what action to take. Our research shows that across the North West one in five adult smokers admits to buying illegal cigarettes or tobacco.

“Many people may be tempted to buy tobacco from an acquaintance at work or in the pub who takes regular trips abroad – no questions asked and without realising the damage it is doing in their communities.”

“We are encouraging Rochdale residents to stop and think about where their cheap tobacco originally comes from, even if they think they’re buying from a trusted source.”

For more information or to report illegal cigarettes sales in Rochdale, people are being urged to ring Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or Trading Standards North West 01925442466.