Counterfeit goods, including hardcore pornography, which could have cost the retail industry £50,000, have been seized in a raid at a Shropshire car boot sale.
Police and Trading Standards officials recovered 1,500 fake CDs and DVDs along with hundreds of items of clothing and footwear in the raid at Worfield, near Bridgnorth.
Three men were arrested and have been released on police bail as the investigations continue.
The raid was carried out at the weekend but details of the action were only released by Trading Standards officials today.
The DVDs seized included unclassified hardcore pornography and clothing brand names being faked included Henri Lloyd, Rockport, Nike, Lacoste and Timberland.Frances Darling, enforcement team manager for Trading Standards, said: “Through the seizures and the subsequent investigations that are now under way, we are sending a very clear message to sellers that we will not tolerate the sale of counterfeit goods in Shropshire.
“Counterfeit goods undermine both the local and national economy and may be linked to serious crime such as people trafficking, money laundering, organised terrorism and drugs.
“I urge consumers to think about these issues and say no to counterfeit products.”
Mrs Darling, who put the potential loss to the retail industry at more than £50,000, added: “Whilst we have seen a significant improvement in the situation, we remain concerned that counterfeit merchandise continues to surface at car boot sales including those around Worfield.
“We will continue to work, with invaluable support from West Mercia Police, in order to further reduce this illegal activity.”
John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire County Council cabinet member for Trading Standards, said there was a “great temptation”, particularly in the run up to Christmas, to buy counterfeit goods as they were invariably cheaper.
“However, consumers run the risk of buying poor quality goods that lead to disappointment. Consumers can contribute to the battle against counterfeit goods by saying no.”
By Dave Morris
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