Three men were arrested at a market in Filton on Saturday (5 December) following a joint operation by South Gloucestershire Council trading standards and Avon and Somerset Police.
Alleged sellers of counterfeit clothing and footwear were targeted as the market was being set up at Filton Recreation Centre.
Trading standards and police officers were accompanied by trade mark representatives from the clothing industry and financial investigators, who were all involved in seizing hundreds of items of counterfeit clothing and trainers.
The brands that were seized included quantities of fake Nike trainers, as well as clothing bearing trade marks for brands such as Mackenzie, Henleys, Lyle and Scott, Timberland and Fred Perry.
A Mercedes van allegedly linked to one of the targeted stalls was also seized and removed from the site. In addition a house in Downend was searched as part of the same operation and further evidence was removed from there, including a quantity of counterfeit clothing.
The three men were arrested for offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and were taken to Southmead police station for further questioning. They were all released on bail while further investigations take place.
Councillor Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “We undertook this joint operation to help protect legitimate retailers of these sorts of products and eliminate the trade of counterfeit goods in the district.”
Neil Derrick, senior trading standards enforcement officer, said: “We are very pleased with the results and grateful for the cooperation we received, in particular from the police.”
Filton Neighbourhood Inspector Bob Evely said: “Operations such as these show our ability to work in close partnership with other agencies to achieve a successful outcome. Many people will think that the manufacture and sale of counterfeit goods is a victimless crime, when it’s not. We often find the proceeds are linked to organised crime which has a direct negative impact on communities. Carrying out these operations therefore means we are working to make and keep communities safe.”
Anyone wishing to report the sales of suspected counterfeit goods can do so in confidence by contacting Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
