Local Concerns About Businesses

Do You Have Concerns About Businesses Such as Barbers or Nail Bars on Your Local High Street?

Across the UK, many high streets have seen a noticeable increase in barbershops, nail bars, and similar cash-based businesses. While many of these businesses are entirely legitimate and hardworking local enterprises, some residents are beginning to question whether all such premises are operating as they appear.

Recently, SIASS was approached by a local residents’ group who were concerned about the activities surrounding a newly opened and refurbished barber’s shop in their area.

Concerns Raised by Local Residents

The residents’ group had already taken appropriate first steps by contacting their local council representative and Neighbourhood Policing Team. However, they felt their concerns were largely anecdotal and were not yet supported by evidence sufficient to trigger further investigation.

Their concerns included observations such as:

• Very few, if any, customers seen receiving haircuts or services

• Periods where the shop appeared open but inactive

• Groups of young people spending extended time inside without any obvious business taking place

• Suspicion of potentially illegal or concerning activity in the flat above the premises

It is important to stress that observations alone do not constitute proof, and SIASS does not make assumptions or allegations without evidence. However, these types of concerns are increasingly common in communities across the UK.

How SIASS Approaches These Situations

SIASS provided the residents’ group with a free, no-obligation consultation, explaining how a lawful and proportionate investigation could be conducted if required.

We outlined that, in order for authorities to take formal investigative action, a comprehensive evidence dossier would be necessary. This may include:

• Covert surveillance to establish patterns of activity

• Timelines showing opening hours versus genuine customer footfall

• Documentation of unusual or inconsistent behaviour

• Evidence gathered in compliance with legal and regulatory standards

Such a dossier can help move concerns from anecdotal observations to evidence-based intelligence, enabling councils, law enforcement, or other relevant agencies to decide on next steps.

When an Investigation Isn’t Possible

On this occasion, SIASS was unable to assist further, as the residents’ group did not have the budget required to stage a covert surveillance operation.

However, this does not diminish the significance of what the group was trying to achieve.

The fact that residents:

• Identified activity they felt was unusual

• Raised concerns through proper channels

• Sought professional advice on lawful investigation

…demonstrates a proactive and responsible approach to community safety.

Community Awareness Matters

Local residents are often the first to notice changes in their neighbourhood. While not every concern will prove to be justified, community awareness plays a vital role in highlighting potential issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Seeking appropriate assistance — whether through councils, policing teams, or professional investigators — is not about making accusations. It is about ensuring transparency, safeguarding neighbourhoods, and supporting legitimate businesses by addressing those that may be operating improperly.

Final Thoughts

SIASS encourages residents to:

• Remain observant, not accusatory

• Use official channels wherever possible

• Seek professional advice before drawing conclusions

Where evidence is required, specialist investigative services can help establish facts in a lawful and discreet manner.

If you are part of a residents’ group or community organisation and have concerns about unusual business activity in your area, SIASS can provide confidential guidance on the options available, even if a full investigation is not immediately possible.