Inside UK's 'counterfeit capital' where fake goods thrive and safety concerns rise

Torbay, a quintessential British tourist destination, has been a favourite seaside retreat for UK and overseas visitors for decades. However, locals are all too aware of the areas to steer clear of, as issues of drug abuse and homelessness continue to plague parts of the region, particularly in Torquay and Paignton.

Now, a new concern is surfacing - an alarming influx of counterfeit tobacco and vaping products that could pose serious health risks. Recent crackdowns in Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham have targeted shops selling fake cigarettes and vapes for as little as £5. Trading standards and police raids have led to the seizure of hundreds of counterfeit cigarette packs, illicit tobacco pouches, and illegal vapes, reports Devon Live.

In the peak of the summer season, with holidaymakers looking on, police descended on shops in Torquay and Paignton, closing them down.

Despite court-ordered closures, many of these shops simply rebrand or relocate, fuelling local fears about rising crime rates. This spike in illegal activity has revealed troubling ties between these shops and organised crime syndicates involved in human trafficking, modern slavery, drug distribution, and even firearms.

The link between counterfeit goods and broader criminal activities has raised alarm among legitimate business owners and residents.

Shelley Ballon, manager of Misfits tattoo shop, who relocated to Paignton from New Zealand, expressed her profound exasperation at the shifting nature of her town.

"A normal person can't afford to open shops here now... it's full of vape shops and Turkish barbers," she told The Sun, adding she felt insulted that criminal operations were undermining honest entrepreneurs. "I feel sorry for the genuine traders," she added.

Another long-standing resident, 46-year-old piercer Polina Bradshaw, lamented the rapid expansion of questionable businesses. She said she had noticed a high number of vape outlets and 'Turkish barbers' opening without obvious customers, whilst established local businesses were suffering as a result.

Several residents also said they feel less secure. One young mother, Leah Beattie, recalled growing up feeling safe while walking home from school - but that her own children can no longer do so in the current atmosphere of the town centre.

The counterfeit products that are being confiscated copy legitimate brands, but lack vital safety features such as self-extinguishing paper, which has already been linked to house fires. Residents report fake goods often cause chest infections and have distinctive, unpleasant smells.

Trading standards officers, using sniffer dogs, have uncovered hidden stockpiles behind walls, beneath floorboards, and in secret compartments.

Local statistics show the escalating crisis. A massive crackdown in early 2025 saw more than 1,600 packets of illegal cigarettes, nearly 4,500 vapes, and tobacco worth thousands of pounds seized across Torbay and Devon.

Councillor David Thomas has confirmed that disrupting criminal supply chains remains a top priority to safeguard local communities and legitimate businesses.

Inspector Rob Harvey of Devon and Cornwall Police stressed the need for joint efforts to shut down shops and send a powerful enforcement message.

Alex Fry, Trading Standards Operations Manager, said several premises had been found with specially constructed hiding places for illegal products, indicating that disruption rather than prosecution has become the most effective tactic.

Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, Chris Lewis, warned that the town's reputation could be jeopardised without adequate enforcement. Meanwhile, Councillor Hayley Tranter underscored the serious health dangers posed by these unregulated and illicit products.