£100k Worth of Fake Goods in Bovingdon Market Raid
Thousands of pounds worth of fake goods have been seized from stalls at Bovingdon market.
Counterfeit CDs, DVDs, clothing and watches with a street value of around £100,000 were taken from four stalls on Saturday, November 9 following a raid by Hertfordshire Trading Standards, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Adidas, Stone Island, Ralph Lauren and Lyle and Scott were among the brand names that were seized. The total number of confiscated items of clothing from the seizures was around 1,500 items. There were also around 7,000 CDs and DVDs taken.
The raid followed detailed intelligence about counterfeit goods being sold at the market.
Stallholders were arrested and taken to Watford Police Station for interview. Investigations have now begun and those involved could face prosecution. Offenders face unlimited fines or up to 10 years in prison.
Using the Proceeds of Crime Act, Trading Standards will confiscate and sell any items that were obtained illegally.
Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Hertfordshire Trading Standards will continue to fight against intellectual property crime. Not only do consumers get ripped off, it also hurts legitimate local businesses – many of whom are already struggling in the current economic climate.
“We will continue to work with our partners to tackle the problems at the market and would like to thank the police and HMRC for their assistance on Saturday.”
Fake goods have been seized from Bovingdon Market in 2010 and earlier this year, when Counterfeit CDs, DVDs, clothing, handbags, purses and watches worth around £42,000 were taken from three stalls on Saturday, March 16.
Members of the public can report sales of counterfeit goods to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040 506 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.
Hertfordshire businesses needing advice should contact Hertfordshire Trading Standards’ business advice line on 01707 292429
Acknowledgement: Watford Observer
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