Three businesses in Barking and Dagenham face being prosecuted after they were caught selling vapes to teenagers under 18 in planned operations between the east London council and the police.

In its continued effort to protect its residents, the council’s Trading Standards Officers ran the joint operation on Wednesday 26 July as part of their Summer of Action programme.

Test purchasers, aged 14, attempted to buy vapes from 15 shops in the borough and unfortunately three of the businesses sold to them and failed the test.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “It’s really important that businesses in the borough ensure that if they’re selling products such as vapes, alcohol or cigarettes that they’re absolutely sure the customer is over the age of 18.

“We want to protect our residents especially our young people and making sure that they’re not using potentially harmful products is a priority for us. Getting addicted to vapes could lead to further addictions later in life.

All three businesses will now be investigated with a view to prosecution.

If residents are aware of a business selling products to minors, they should report them to the council by emailing tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.