ILLEGAL tobacco sales in the South West are on the decrease.

Figures released today by Smokefree South West show that the number of smokers buying illegal tobacco has fallen by a fifth in two years, from 20 per cent to 16 per cent.

Dr David Phillips, Director of Public Health Dorset, said: “Apart from the well-known problems with tobacco, illegal tobacco is often sold more cheaply than shop-bought tobacco.

“We know that price is a key factor in people deciding to smoke and, as such, price is a key part of the government's approach to tobacco control. Anything that undermines it promotes smokers to consume more.”

The survey also found that nine out of 10 adults in Dorset believe illegal tobacco is a danger to children because it is cheap and easy to buy.

Smokefree South West is leading a multi-agency partnership called Tackling Illegal Tobacco for Better Health.

Chair of the Dorset heads of regulatory service group Ivan Hancock said: “Trading standards has a crucial role in taking tough action to reduce the supply of illegal cigarettes and stop dealers selling in local communities.

"In Dorset, we have received five pieces of intelligence about illegal tobacco as a result of the programme and this will help give a clearer picture of how and where illicit tobacco dealers are operating.

“Although it is great to see our combined efforts are reducing the illegal tobacco market share, there is still more that can be done and together we hope to reduce the trade even further.”

Anyone with information about the illegal trade of tobacco should visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.