POLICE officers assisting in boarding up a vape shop in Ringwood later arrested a youth seen “dangerously riding a motorbike nearby”.
The arrest came after a recent operation to shut down H&A Mini-Market, in the High Street, for three months following an investigation that revealed evidence of illegal tobacco and vape sales – including to underage young people.
The closure order was approved by Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on August 19, in place until November 19, under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Hampshire Police said it came “after officers from Ringwood Neighbourhood Policing Team and Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards supplied evidence of illegal tobacco and vape sales at the shop in question”.
“In addition to this, members of the local community have provided information about anti-social behaviour and the shop being frequented by school-aged children,” a spokesperson added.
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Then, during the operation to close the shop down, officers have since revealed how a separate incident unfolded.
“While assisting with enforcing the closure on (August 19), it became clear that several local youths were paying attention to what was occurring, one of whom was witnessed dangerously riding a motorcycle outside the shop in question,” a spokesperson explained.
“A 15-year-old boy from Ringwood was subsequently arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for traffic when directed by a constable, using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, possessing a controlled drug of Class A and possessing a controlled drug of Class B.
“The boy has since been released on conditional police bail, pending further enquiries. As part of our ongoing investigation, we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything of the incident, or anyone with any footage of it, including dash cam, mobile phone, doorbell camera or any other CCTV.”
They urged anyone with information to get in touch with police on 101, quoting incident number 44260404049, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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