A TASK force is behind the recent increase in the number of immigration raids at restaurants in the city which has led to 12 arrests.

As reported in the Hereford Times, raids have been carried out across Hereford in the past few months with the most recent at Mowchak and Sweet Chilli.

This is due to police setting up a Multi Agency Task Force in partnership with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Home Office Immigration, Herefordshire Council Trading Standards and Environmental Health Housing Enforcement.

They meet on a regular basis to share intelligence and plan joint operations.

Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds said: "Our aim is to target those individuals and businesses who choose to commit criminal offences by employing illegal workers, operate unlicensed houses of multi occupancy, overcrowding in dwellings, breaches of fire and safety regulations, the sale of unlicensed, fake or non duty paid tobacco and alcohol.

"We also work to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and prosecute those who seek to profit from any form of modern slavery."

To date, the task force has visited more than 30 premises using a wide range of entry and search powers and arrested 12 people who have entered or been working in the country illegally.

They have served a number of Emergency Prohibition Notices on sub-standard and dangerous premises and carried out more than 20 fire safety inspections, with appropriate enforcement and prohibition notices served for failing to comply with Fire Safety Orders.

Twelve people have been deported for alcohol-related antisocial behaviour and criminality while rough sleeping and not seeking employment.

Eleven licensed premises have been made subject to a Licensing Review and just under half a million packs of illegal cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco have been seized.

Sgt Reynolds added: "We aim to develop the task force to strengthen the partnership working across Herefordshire and build upon the successes to date and conduct visits to more premises throughout the year ahead.

"The success of the team is down to the dedication of key nominated persons within each organisation who can call upon a range of specialist resources, knowledge and skills in addition to a vast array of legislative powers and enforcement opportunities, which, when brought together can be a powerful and effective combination in prosecuting offenders and protecting the public."

Any information you may have in relation to any of the above offending types can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or call police on 101.