Four arrested at Shropshire nail bar as part of major immigration crime crackdown

A series of enforcement visits have been carried out by police across Shropshire as part of a national crackdown on organised immigration crime.

Between June 15 and 20 West Mercia Police officers took part in Operation Lockstream, a national policing programme bringing together law enforcement agencies across the UK to help tackle organised immigration crime.

It comprised co-ordinated, multi-agency visits at UK high street ‘grey’ or gig economy hotspots targeting businesses such as nail salons, car washes, barbers and vape shops as well as fast food delivery riders and deliver drivers.

The operation included a number of visits to Shropshire businesses, including car washes and nail bars.

One man was arrested at a car wash in Telford on suspicion of immigration offences, while four occupants at a Shropshire nail bar were arrested and street bailed by Immigration Enforcement officers for illegal working.

Police also visited a store in Shropshire following intelligence on suspected sales of illegal vapes to children, where one worker was found to have no right to work in UK.

Nationally, Operation Lockstream saw police and Immigration Enforcement arrested 362 people - with 57 of those known to have entered the UK by small boats. Officers also seized more than £1 million in cash, over £700,000 in illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes, 92 cars and 31 e-bikes.

Detective Inspector Steve Lloyd, tactical lead for organised immigration crime for West Mercia, said: “Organised immigration crime is a complex and evolving challenge, and it remains a national high‑priority threat.

“It involves the illegal movement of people into and out of the UK and often enables individuals to remain in the country illegally under exploitative and harmful circumstances.

“Across West Mercia we supported Op Lockstream by focusing on disrupting the organised crime groups responsible for these offences.”

Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, the National Police Chiefs' Council’s organised immigration crime domestic taskforce lead, said: "This multi-agency activity sends a clear message to organised crime gangs that law enforcement agencies are working together to tackle illegal trade within our communities, and to bring offenders to justice."

Police say organised immigration crime is closely linked to wider offending, including County Lines dealing, drug trafficking, modern slavery and human trafficking. They are urging residents to be alert to signs of exploitation, such as people lacking ID documents, being transported to work in groups, living in overcrowded accommodation or being spoken for by others.

Concerns can be reported to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the charity STOP THE TRAFFIK.