Over 2,500 suspected counterfeit items seized from Accrington shop
Lancashire Police and Trading Standards conduct joint operation on Blackburn Road
A shop in Accrington was found to be selling more than 2,500 items of suspected counterfeit goods in a joint operation conducted by Lancashire Police and Trading Standards.
Officers from the Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing Team, alongside Trading Standards, visited the premises on Blackburn Road on Friday, 27th October.
Inside, they seized a significant haul, including over 1,800 garments with designer branding, 333 bottles of perfume, 145 pairs of trainers, 215 sandals, 221 items of counterfeit makeup, as well as sunglasses, bags, hats, and badges.
Information received had suggested that the shop was selling counterfeit clothing, prompting the operation.
The seized items will now be examined by Trading Standards as part of ongoing enquiries.
T/Insp. Sarah Frankland from the Hyndburn Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasised the impact of counterfeit goods, describing the sale as harmful to consumers and legitimate businesses.
"The sale of counterfeit goods is far from a victimless crime," Frankland said.
Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment, and Communities at Lancashire County Council, stated that there is no place for counterfeit goods in the region.
"Our Trading Standards officers will continue to work with Lancashire Police to disrupt this illegal trade and protect our communities," Roberts said.
Anyone with information about counterfeit goods is encouraged to report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.