Trading Standards Officers working alongside colleagues from Thames Valley Police’s Pangbourne Neighbourhood Team have seized a large quantity of suspected counterfeit goods.

 

Officers executed the warrant after receiving intelligence and information regarding suspicious activity. One suspect was arrested on suspicion of several offences. Investigations are ongoing.

The UK market in fake goods is now worth £9.3 billion and represents 4% of all UK imports. This costs the UK economy estimated losses of £1.3 billion in unpaid tax, which could be used for essential public services. Instead the money falls into criminal hands and is used to finance organised crime including human trafficking, drugs, weapons and child labour. Additionally, in many cases fake goods are often proven to be potentially dangerous to consumers.

 

West Berkshire Council’s Executive Member for Public Protection Justin Pemberton said: “This is a great result thanks to collaborative efforts of our trading standards team working with our partners in Thames Valley Police. While fake products may seem harmless they are often sold on by organised criminal networks who also engage in human trafficking, drug smuggling and other serious crimes.

 

The sale of counterfeit goods creates an unfair trading environment, meaning that our many law abiding businesses have to compete with the availability of goods which are cheaper and of inferior quality and that consumers spending their hard earned money are being ripped off

 

We’ll continue to work closely with our partners, including brand holders, to address issues of concern to our communities and to make West Berkshire safer for everyone.”

 

If you have information about the sale of counterfeit items please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or Police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.