Over the course of two days, police conducted surprise immigration raids on several restaurants, takeaways, and shops in Ross-on-Wye and Hereford, aiming to identify illegal workers and unlawful goods.
The operation resulted in four arrests. Two illegal electric bikes linked to fast food delivery drivers were confiscated, along with approximately £2,000 worth of illegal shisha seized from a vape shop on Commercial Road, Hereford.
A man in his 40s was detained at a nail bar in Market Place, Ross-on-Wye, on suspicion of entering the UK illegally. He was granted bail on the spot by Immigration officers, and a civil penalty was served to the business owner. Another man, in his 20s, was arrested in the city centre’s Commercial Street, suspected of working illegally as a food delivery driver, and was bailed pending further inquiries. Additionally, a man and a woman, both in their 20s, were arrested at an Asian restaurant on Garrick Lane, Hereford, on suspicion of immigration offences and held by Immigration officers.
This enforcement operation was part of the Multi Agency Targeted Enforcement Strategy (MATES), a joint effort involving West Mercia Police, Trading Standards, Licensing, Immigration, and the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. The raids took place on Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 18.
While several businesses were targeted, eight premises were found to be fully compliant with employment legislation, showing no irregularities. The partnership’s efforts also contribute to West Mercia Police’s participation in the Home Office-backed Safer Streets summer campaign.
Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds of Hereford SNT commented: “With our partners, this MATES operation represented one of our routine visits to food establishments and shops to locate suspected illegal workers and illegal goods. Four arrests were made, illegal products and two e-bikes were seized, and further investigations are ongoing.”