Joint council/police operation seizes large amount of counterfeit goods

A large seizure of suspected counterfeit goods was made yesterday, Wednesday 25 July 2012, when the South West Regional Scambuster team, hosted by Bristol City Council, working jointly with Avon and Somerset Police, executed warrants at three lock-up units on Weston-super-Mare’s Oldmixon Trading Estate. Branded goods seized believed to be fake include the following:

Jewellery - Tiffany and Links
Perfume - Chanel, Burberry, Versace and Christian Dior
Sunglasses - Chanel, Rayban and Gucci
Footwear  - Adidas, Van, Reebok, Ugg
Clothing - Lacoste, Abercrombie and Fitch, Berghaus, Hollister, Umbro, Jack Wills and Premier League football shirts

Two men, aged 19 and 61, have been arrested for being concerned with the sale and supply of counterfeit goods.

Several transit vans were needed to transport the goods to secure storage.

Councillor Guy Poultney, Cabinet Member for Communities with Bristol City Council, said: "This is a very significant seizure, which demonstrates the scale of and nature of this activity. It sends out a strong message to criminals and consumers alike."

Stephen Meale of the Safer Bristol Partnership which set up the nationally-funded team, said: "We want people to be aware of the true risks and consequences associated with buying counterfeit goods - the manufacture, distribution and supply of fake products are themselves serious crimes, but they are shown to have clear links to organised crime and other criminality, that does so much damage to our communities and attacks the livelihood of legitimate traders in a difficult economic climate.

"We will continue to work with partner agencies, including Avon and Somerset Police, for whose support in this operation today we are grateful, to better tackle this illegal activity.’

Councillor Peter Bryant, Executive Member for the Environment with North Somerset Council,  said: "I am delighted that by working together a sizeable seizure of what appear to counterfeit goods have been made.

"Counterfeit goods are not of a comparable quality and I would remind people once again that if something appears to be too good to be true then it probably is."

Anyone that knows who is dealing in fakes can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or securely online at https://secure.crimestoppers-uk.org/ams.form.anonymous.asp