A crime crackdown has led to six arrests and the seizure of illegal goods from high street businesses across the region.
Police officers across the Thames Valley took part in Operation Machinize, a national month of action to tackle businesses engaging in criminal activity on our high streets.
The month-long operation focused on cash incentive businesses suspected of being involved in money laundering and other criminality.
Matthew Barber, Thames Valley police and crime commissioner, said: "Businesses operating outside of the law on our high streets fuel criminality, make people feel unsafe, undermine legitimate businesses and place consumers at risk.
"By cracking down on criminal activity and removing illicit products from sale, we are protecting local communities from harm and helping to restore a sense of security, but the police need more powers if we are to remove these businesses from our high streets.
"Disappointingly, the government blocked the amendment, but I am continuing to lobby for changes that will make it easier for the police to close down criminal businesses quickly."
Authorities arrested six people and seized large quantities of tobacco, single-use vapes, cash, illegally supplied prescription medication, electronic goods, alcohol and other counterfeit goods.
Formal notices were also issued for fire safety concerns and formal warnings were issued for trademark offences.
Superintendent John Batty, head of community policing for Thames Valley Police, said: "The vast majority of businesses across Thames Valley operate lawfully and make a valuable contribution to our communities.
"Our aim is to protect those legitimate businesses while disrupting criminals who seek to exploit cash-intensive premises to conceal unlawful activity."
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