Trading Standards officers across Britain are facing serious intimidation and death threats from criminal gangs operating illegal mini-marts and vape shops, according to new survey data.

Dozen of council enforcement officers reported receiving threats including "we will kill you and burn your house" from criminals running non-compliant retail operations on high streets. The intimidation campaigns appear designed to prevent officials from investigating and shutting down illegal businesses.

The threats represent an escalation in confrontations between local authority enforcement teams and organized criminal groups that have established networks of shops selling illicit goods. Trading Standards officers are responsible for ensuring businesses comply with consumer protection laws and trading regulations.

The survey findings highlight growing challenges faced by council staff as they attempt to enforce regulations against increasingly aggressive criminal enterprises. Officers described experiencing various forms of intimidation as they carried out routine inspections and enforcement actions.

Local authorities rely on Trading Standards teams to investigate complaints about illegal trading practices, counterfeit goods, and businesses operating without proper licenses. The threat of violence against enforcement officers could potentially impact the ability of councils to effectively regulate retail businesses in their areas.