£50,000 of fake goods seized in Skelmersdale raid
More than 1,300 items of counterfeit clothes and trainers have been seized after Trading Standards joined forces with Lancashire Constabulary to swoop on an address in West Lancashire.
Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers served a warrant on the address on Thursday 22 February after investigating claims that counterfeit goods were being advertised on social media site Facebook.
Officers took possession of around 1,000 pairs of fake Nike and Adidas trainers and Ugg boots as well as several hundred garments and bracelets bearing counterfeit North Face, Berghaus, Hugo Boss, Moncler and Cartier trademarks.
Those involved are believed to have earned tens of thousands of pounds from selling the fakes as genuine items on the internet and investigations are continuing.
County Councillor Michael Green, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: "This is another fantastic example of our team taking hard-hitting action when they see crimes being committed online.
"Over the last few years, counterfeit sellers have moved increasingly to the internet, and to social media sites including Facebook. Trading Standards received 360 complaints in 2023 about counterfeit toys, perfume, tobacco, alcohol and clothing, from concerned residents and genuine traders.
“We wish to create a level playing field for honest Lancashire retailers who sell genuine goods.
"In today’s tough economic climate, Lancashire County Council will continue to work hard to protect legitimate shopkeepers by removing illegal operators from the marketplace, and to protect our residents from shoddy purchases.
"I encourage anyone to report sellers that flout the law. Anyone who knows of retailers selling counterfeit goods, selling tobacco or e–cigarettes to young people under 18, or selling over-sized or counterfeit vapes, can refer these issues to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice helpline on 0808 223 1133."