Nearly 10,000 illegal vaping products were seized from stores across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole last year, according to new council figures.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that BCP Council confiscated 9,940 illegal vaping products in 2025, a dramatic rise from just 295 devices seized in 2021.
The number of shops identified as selling illegal vapes also increased sharply, with 43 stores found to be involved in 2025 compared to only one in 2021.
BCP Council’s Trading Standards team does not have the legal power to permanently close shops solely for selling illegal vapes, but temporary closure orders were imposed on three shops last year. These actions usually follow repeated breaches or wider criminal activity.
The number of shops caught selling vapes to underage customers has remained stable, with three retailers flagged in both 2024 and 2025.
In June 2026, 7 Day Express in Bournemouth was ordered to close for three months after illegal vaping and tobacco products worth almost £50,000 were seized. Rania Mini Market has also recently received a closure notice.
Councillor Kieron Wilson said the council will continue to take action to keep unsafe products out of local communities.
