Criminals are taking advantage of our community

Organised criminal gangs are known to target vulnerable, cash-strapped families. They take advantage of the fact that they're struggling for money and pay them to travel abroad and smuggle illegal tobacco back into the country.

The criminals will tempt desperate members of the community - often young mums - with the promise of pocket money and an overnight sunshine break, providing them with empty suitcases to fill with fags on their return.

But while the criminals are the ones who rake in the cash, it is often the 'runners' who end up facing the consequences if they are caught - including fines, a criminal record and even jail.