Undercover cadets test vape and tobacco sales in Torquay

Police cadets had a successful plainclothes operation when trying to purchase either vape or tobacco products in South Devon.

The cadets joined officers to test whether shops across Newton Abbot and Torquay would sell tobacco and vape products to people under the age of 18.

Each cadet was underage and had no form of valid identification. 

Out of a total of 13 shops, only one shop failed to check the age of the cadet.

Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey, who oversees neighbourhood police teams across the South Devon area, said: “This was a really positive result. It’s reassuring to see such a robust response from stores across the towns. Our aim isn’t to catch shops or employees out, but to make sure everyone is playing their part in keeping young people safe.”

After each visit, a uniformed police officer entered the store to inform employees of the operation and give advice and support around the laws surrounding the sale of age-restricted products.

Chief Inspector Pusey continued: “Test purchase operations present us with an opportunity to educate and engage with retailers in a unique way. This forms part of our prevention work in communities—if we can prevent vapes and tobacco from being sold to people under 18, we can also then reduce any possible harm and antisocial behaviour that may be linked with accessing age-restricted products.

“I hope this shows people in our community that we are committed to keeping people safe, both through high-visibility proactive work and preventative opportunities such as this operation.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the cadets who supported this operation. The work you do is vital to keep our communities educated and safe from harm.”

This operation was led by the Neighbourhood Support Team and supported by local police cadets. Plainclothes operations testing local businesses around the sales of restricted products will continue throughout the year.

To report suspected sales of age-restricted products to underage people, visit the Devon & Somerset Trading Standards website: Report underage sales to Trading Standards Service.

To report concerns of businesses engaging in illegal activity or to log non-urgent crimes happening in your area, please visit Report | Devon & Cornwall Police or call 101. For all emergencies, call 999. 

You can also report crimes 100 per cent anonymously via Crimestoppers.

To learn more about the cadets, what they do, and the application process, visit Devon & Cornwall Police Cadets—information and advice for children and students.

To contact Trading Standards, email tradingstandards@devon.gov.uk or phone 01392 383000.