Two arrested after investigation leads to closure order for Swindon store

A shop in Swindon town centre has been closed down for selling counterfeit tobacco and cigarettes.

Police and Trading Standards officers visited the Lavy store in Commercial Road after reports of suspicious activity.

Thousands of pounds of stock was seized and two men were arrested.

Wiltshire police stated:

PC Paul Bezzant said: “Had the items which we seized been genuine, they would have had a retail value of more than £21,000.

“I’m pleased the closure order was successfully obtained at court today - it means the premises is closed until at least July and anyone caught inside the premises may be committing an offence. We will continue to patrol the area and ensure the order is being adhered to.

“It is crucial the public continue to report concerns regarding suspected counterfeit goods so we can use all relevant powers to take the most appropriate action to stop this type of illegal activity."