Sgt Ellis said money from selling illicit goods can be used to fund serious and organised crime.

“It is vital we continue to do all we can to take them off the streets,” he added.

Earlier this month a Leeds city centre shop was given a six-week closure order after illegal cigarettes and vapes valued at £5,000 were seized.

The illicit tobacco trade involves a range of tobacco products being sold illegally, often to underage users, without paying taxes, a HM Revenue & Customs spokesperson said.

“It provides a cheap and unregulated supply of tobacco to those who might otherwise be deterred by cost,” they added.

As part of the police and trading standards operation, which aims to improve safety in town centres, a 43-year-old woman from Bramley was given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on 14 July which prevents her from entering six shops around Leeds.

Joanne Briscoe, of Poplar Way, was convicted of theft from a shop on 18 June and will no longer be able to enter the following stores:

  • Savers on Town Street, Armley

  • Aldi on Stanningley Road

  • Tesco in Bramley Shopping Centre

  • Sainsburys on Ring Road

  • One Stop on Whingate

  • Home Bargains on Stanningley Road