LONDON: Fake goods worth a street value of £100,000 were seized after police and Trading Standards officers swooped on a property in Pather.
These items were branded with designer names including Rolex, Brietling, Prada, Boss, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Nike and Moncier in the raid on Friday, December 18.
Inspector Alistair Anderson, of Wishaw Police Office, said “This was a significant seizure and fantastic example of partnership working between Police Scotland and Trading Standards.
“This operation provides evidence that, along with our partners, we are determined to identify people responsible for illegally selling fake goods at inflated prices on the internet and elsewhere.
“This criminal activity directly harms legitimate businesses and threatens the livelihoods of all those working in the industry as well as those employed by retailers, distributors and legitimate online platforms.”
And Inspector Anderson added: “The recovery of these items means that a substantial amout of money will not line the pockets of criminals nor will it be used to fund a range of other criminal activity which ultimately benefits serious and organised crime groups.”
Councillor Helen McKenna, convener of the council’s environmental services committee said: “This is an excellent outcome reflecting the strong working relationships which have been developed between our Trading Standards service and Police Scotland. My officers are currently engaged in a three-month partnership working project with the local police division, in conjunction with our colleagues from South Lanarkshire, targeting the sellers of counterfeit goods amongst other high profile crimes.
“As well as causing losses to reputable business through unfair competition, counterfeit goods can dupe unsuspecting customers into buying fakes, which will be of inferior quality and may also pose safety risks.
“We will continue to work with Police Scotland to reinforce the message that crime doesn’t pay, protecting reputable traders and the public in the process.”
Anyone with information relating to the production and distribution of counterfeit goods, or who wishes to report criminal activity of any kind can do so by contacting Police Scotland on 101 or by calling the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where calls are free.
