Three vanloads of counterfeit goods worth £60,000 seized in Accrington
A huge haul of counterfeit clothing and perfumes worth £60,000 has been seized, including brand names and logos such as Nike, North Face, Dior, Berghaus and Hugo Boss.
More than 3,000 items, mainly tracksuits, coats, perfume, and trainers, together with counterfeit makeup, sunglasses, and sandals, were confiscated after Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers discovered illegal goods for sale at two premises.
Following initial tip-offs from members of the public, a Trading Standards officer posing as a member of the public purchased branded perfume for £10, which was subsequently confirmed to be counterfeit.
On 27 October, Trading Standards officers returned with Lancashire Constabulary officers and seized three vanloads of suspected counterfeit goods. Samples were examined on the day by trademark representatives and confirmed as illegal copies. Investigations are ongoing.
Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities at Lancashire County Council said:
"Seizing three vanloads of counterfeit clothing, trainers, perfumes and other goods shows just how valuable information from the public can be.
"Our Trading Standards officers work hard to stop illegal goods reaching Lancashire's communities and to protect legitimate businesses which play by the rules.
"I'd encourage anyone who suspects counterfeit goods are being sold to report it. Information from residents really can help us to take action.
"Concerned residents are advised to report all counterfeit sales and intelligence to the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Please also pass any information about illegal business practices or suspicious activity to police via 101 or online reporting.”