Pc Berwyn Pratt, with some of the counterfeit DVDs seized by police in Telford.

At least £10,000 worth of fake computer games, DVDs and CDs were discovered by police following a dawn raid on a Telford home.

Officers joined forces with trading standards officials to smash their way into a home in Woodrows, Woodside at about 7.30am yesterday following a tip-off from a member of the public. Investigators found copies of the latest computer games, DVDs and CDs piled up all around the house.

Five games consoles, including X boxes and Playstation 3s, have also been seized.

Police believe they had been dropped off by people to be “chipped”, a technique whereby the console is tampered with to allow copied games to be played on it.

Officers said today a man had been arrested on suspicion of infringing copyright and possession of counterfeit goods.

He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Constable Berwyn Pratt, who is leading the investigation, said it appeared the home was the base for an extensive counterfeit operation.

He said: “We raided the home along with trading standards officers from Telford & Wrekin Council.

“What we found was a little Aladdin’s cave of copied CDs,DVDs and computer games as well as games consoles that looked like they had been dropped in waiting to be chipped.

“The trading standards officers said it was the biggest haul of counterfeit goods they had discovered in more than four years.”

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said it was estimated the items would be worth at least £10,000 if they were sold legitimately as original copies.

Councillor Miles Hosken, cabinet member for community protection and cohesion at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “Telford & Wrekin Council’s trading standards team has worked very closely with West Mercia Police on this operation and investigations are ongoing.

“We are committed to taking decisive action whenever we become aware of this sort of illegal activity and no-one should be under the illusion that the production and supply of counterfeit CDs and DVDs is a victimless crime.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Telford police on 0300 333 3000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

By Wayne Beese