Cops target businesses over health and safety fears
Car washes have been closed down after cops raided firms across Renfrewshire.
Police Scotland temporarily shut two businesses in Paisley and Renfrew over health and safety fears.
Officers probed companies during targeted action across the town.
Inspector Tracey Harkins told how the team spoke with bosses during the surprise stops.
She said: “A number of car washes were visited to ensure staff welfare and best business practices.
“Two were closed by health and safety due to measures that needed put in place.
“Two people have been reported to the Department for Work and Pensions.”
A task force led by CID detective inspector John Stewart and the violence reduction unit swooped on companies.
They quizzed managers over working methods around 3pm on Tuesday.
Hannan’s Proper Car Wash in St James’s Street pulled down the shutters after officers arrived.
Ultra Klean on Renfrew’s Paisley Road was also forced to close.
Both companies told the Paisley Daily Express they were forced to close due to electrical faults.
Hannan’s Proper Car Wash was visited by police and HMRC during a separate series of checks in March.
They spoke with staff before heading to other firms nearby.
The taskforce looked into a slew of suspected offences, including theft, fuel fraud and tax evasion.
Officers also investigated breaches of minimum wage rules and fire safety legislation.
It is understood no arrests were made.
Officers teamed up with immigration officers for checks on businesses the same month.
Two men, aged 28 and 47, were found working illegally at the Red Cap Chinese takeaway in Broomlands Street.
They were detained and reported to border chiefs.
Kitchen bosses face a fine of up to £40,000 if convicted.
A man was arrested for an outstanding warrant during visits to car washes across Renfrewshire earlier this week.
If you have any information on businesses operating illegally, call Police Scotland on 101.