LONDON: The biggest haul of fake goods ever has been seized from illegal traders at a market near Cambridge, the News can reveal.
Nine men were arrested when police and trading standards officers swooped on the massive Bourn market in the biggest sting mounted in the county.
Thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit goods were seized as part of an ongoing operation by Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Standards Officers and Cambridgeshire police.
A number of stall holders and their vehicles were investigated. The fake goods were seized and nine men were arrested. The amount of fake goods that were seized is thought to be the biggest ever made by Trading Standards Officers in Cambridgeshire, officials said.
Items seized include, shoes, belts, handbags, perfume, make up, sports clothing, T-shirts, poloshirts, jeans and other goods. The brands faked included Adidas, Nike, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Converse, Urban Decay, Million, Dr Dre Beats, Rolex and kits from various football clubs.
Aileen Andrews, the council’s acting head of supporting businesses and communities, said “This was another excellent result for us – we’re sending a message out to counterfeit traders that we just won’t tolerate fake and inferior goods in our county. Aside from the trademark issues there can be safety implications on substandard products, as well as taking business away from legitimate traders.”
The market was raided on May bank holiday and has been raided before.
It has now emerged that in April another massive haul of counterfeit clothing was seized.
Trading standards officers, backed by police, seized 1,225 items of clothing from three vehicles targeted in the swoop – with a street value in excess of £15,000. Six individuals were arrested and bailed to allow further investigation.
Ms Andrews said “We’ve visited the market before, advising traders that we won’t tolerate counterfeit goods being sold. People might not realise it, but there can be lots of links between counterfeit goods and organised crime. We want to look after the local trader who is selling genuine goods and we’re here to support local traders who play by the rules – and protect our residents from substandard products.”
