SOME £3.5 million in suspect counterfeit goods have been seized at Wellesbourne Market.
Police targeted the market at Wellesbourne airfield on Saturday (December 10) and seized counterfeit and unsafe goods.
Many of the items were electrical and cosmetic, which the Anti Counterfeit Group and National Markets Group – who assisted in the raid – say can be dangerous.
Intelligence co-ordinator Graham Mogg said: ‘The sale of any potential counterfeit products including unsafe electrical and cosmetic items at Wellesbourne Market places shoppers at risk of serious injury. In addition this criminality undermines legitimate trade, takes revenue out of the UK economy and is known to fund other crime and terrorism.
“We are very grateful to the police for their work in this area and we will continue to work in collaboration with the authorities to remove suspected counterfeit goods from the market.”
It is believed some of the sellers jumped in vans and escaped when they realised the crackdown was being carried out.
A 19 year-old man and a 16 year-old boy, both from Birmingham were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. They have been bailed until February 2017.
Police are hoping the raid deters other traders dealing in counterfeit goods.
Inspector Julia Brealey said: “This is not the first time we have targeted operations at this market.
“This latest action should send out a clear message to all those trading in suspected counterfeit goods that we will catch you and you risk not only losing all your stock but also your vehicle and possibly your liberty.
“The message is simple – legitimate traders are welcome at Wellesbourne Market but we will disrupt the operation of those thought to be non-legitimate traders.”
