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£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

http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/10803694.Police_seize___100k_of_fake_goods_in_Bovingdon_market_raid/

If you would like to know more, contact our team of London-based private investigators today to find out what we can do for you!

Running Torquay Shopkeeper Fined for Selling Fakes

A SHOPKEEPER grabbed a bag of counterfeit clothes and ran from his store  after being caught selling fake One Direction sweatshirts in Torquay.

Joshua Lowles, 24, fled trading standard officers who were bagging evidence  of illegal selling at his shop on Victoria Parade in Torquay.

They had collected a range of items being sold by Ace Customised Clothing & Printing Company, including sweatshirts, T-shirts and mugs adorned with  images of Harry Styles and bandmates, Olly Murs and Justin Bieber.

Lowles, director of the business, returned to the store with the bag 10  minutes later saying: “That’s how easy it is, you should never take your eyes  off it.”

His antics did not impress magistrates in Torquay who ordered him and his  company to pay fines and costs of £3,800.

Lowles, of Mallock Road, Torquay, pleaded guilty to four offences of illegal  trading including misleading customers and obstructing a trading standards  officer from Torbay Council.

The company admitted eight offences of displaying or selling counterfeit  goods.

Suspicions were raised in August 2012 when an inspection found counterfeit  Monster Energy sweatshirts being sold at the shop.

Huw James, senior trading standards officer, made a test purchase of a hoodie  for £14.99.

After examination the garment was found to be counterfeit and the shop did  not have the trademark owner’s consent to display or sell it.

Jeremy Shute, prosecutor for the council, told magistrates that officers met  Lowles during a subsequent visit but that he gave them false information about  the name of the business.

“This was somewhat indicative of Mr Lowles initial attitude because he was  unwilling to allow Mr James and his colleague to look around the shop and  inspect his stock,” Mr Shute said.

A further 15 Monster Energy sweatshirts were seized.

But despite the threat of prosecution the business carried on selling  counterfeit items.

In August this year counterfeit One Direction clothing was displayed at the  shop.

Mr James made a visit and found sweatshirts, jackets, T-shirts and mugs  displaying Harry Styles, One Direction, Monsters University, Olly Murs,  Despicable Me and Justin Bieber.

Lowles told him:  “Stop the small talk, take whatever you want.”

But as the officer started to pack away the evidence Lowles made a run for  it.

Mr Shute said: “The process was suddenly interrupted by Lowles who, without  warning, grabbed the bag containing the seized items and ran out of the  shop.

“Mr James did not believe anything could be gained by giving chase and  fortunately, within 10 minutes, Mr Lowles returned to the shop, dropped the bag  at the feet of the officers and said ‘that’s how easy it is, you should never  take your eyes off it’.

All seized items were sent to the trademark holders, including Bieber Time  Holdings LLC, Disney Enterprises Inc, Simco Limited, Monster Energy Company and  Oliver Murs.

They all confirmed they were counterfeit and the shop did not have permission  to sell them.

They said the goods were of poor quality and selling them had the potential  for customers to be misled and put at risk the reputations of the trade mark  owners and genuine retailers.

It is not known what profit  Lowles made as a result of the business selling  the clothing.

The defendant had no previous convictions.

Afterwards a spokesman for Kitsons, on behalf of Lowles, said ACE clothing is  a ‘reputable business’ and ‘the overwhelming majority’ of its products are  trademark compliant.

He said a few articles were sold ‘at a price that matches the quality’ and  Lowles was confident that the public knew what they were buying.

“Sadly in not having authorisation to use the ‘Monster’ or ‘One Direction’  logos ACE has broken the law.

“For that our client apologises and reiterates that they will not knowingly  repeat this error.

“Our client ran out of the shop in a panic when faced with the trading  standards officer and bitterly regrets his actions.”

Cllr Robert Excell, Torbay Council’s executive lead for safer communities,  said: “We welcome the outcome of this case.

“We work hard to protect the trading position of legitimate businesses to  ensure  they are supported to grow and develop and we will intervene with those  traders who flout the law.”

From Torquay Herald Express:

http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/Direction-Olly-Murs-Bieber-clothes-fakes-admits/story-20053100-detail/story.html#ixzz2kE1uRL4B

 

Beware of Doorstep Sellers after Storms

The Police have recorded an increase in doorstep crime over the last week. There have been incidents of residents in Bromley being approached by cold callers offering to clean out guttering, repair/maintain roofing etc. resulting in inflated prices being charged, and occasionally the resident has felt intimidated into agreeing further work.

With the bad weather over the last couple of days, there may be opportunist cold callers offering to sweep up leaves, take away trees, etc. and the message is not to accept offers of help from callers, unless they are known to you. A reminder that councils will always have ID, and drive liveried vehicles.

We have also had victims of telephone fraud, where the resident has been pursuaded to give over their pin numbers, and handed their credit/debit cards to persons impersonating Police officers.

The Police will NEVER ask for your credit/card details, either on the ‘phone or in person.

If you are unsure who the caller is, engage your security door chain before you open the door. If you see anyone suspicious, and it is happening now, please ring 999, if you have recently had suspicious activity in your road, then please report it to ring 101.

 

 

Beware of Doorstep Sellers after the Stormy Weather

The Police have recorded an increase in doorstep crime over the last week. There have been incidents of residents in Bromley being approached by cold callers offering to clean out guttering, repair/maintain roofing etc. resulting in inflated prices being charged, and occasionally the resident has felt intimidated into agreeing further work.

With the bad weather over the last couple of days, there may be opportunist cold callers offering to sweep up leaves, take away trees, etc. and the message is not to accept offers of help from callers, unless they are known to you. A reminder that councils will always have ID, and drive liveried vehicles.

We have also had victims of telephone fraud, where the resident has been pursuaded to give over their pin numbers, and handed their credit/debit cards to persons impersonating Police officers.

The Police will NEVER ask for your credit/card details, either on the ‘phone or in person.

If you are unsure who the caller is, engage your security door chain before you open the door. If you see anyone suspicious, and it is happening now, please ring 999, if you have recently had suspicious activity in your road, then please report it to ring 101.

 

 

Fakes in Manchester Raids Exceed £2m

On Friday 18th October 2013 Greater Manchester Police commenced  an ad-hoc disruption activity in Harris Street, Cheetham Hill, M8.

The police entered a couple of shops that were open to the public and seized a range of counterfeit goods including clothing, bags, UGG’s, Beats headphones, jewellery and watches estimated at upwards of £250 k

No trading names were observed on the shops just shutters. 4 people were initially detained, however 3 were subsequently released and the fourth, who was an illegal immigrant was arrested.

Yesterday’s major enforcement was co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency, Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Trading Standards, UKBA, HM Immigration Services and respective trademark representatives.

Over £2 million worth of counterfeits were seized, press release as per:-

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/greater-manchester-police-seize-3d-6240319

This is very much a disruptive exercise just to get the counterfeits off of the streets before Christmas.  Nearly all our clients were affected and other raids are planned in coming weeks.

 

 

Value of Fakes Seized in Manchester Raids Exceed £2m

On Friday 18th October 2013 Greater Manchester Police commenced  an ad-hoc disruption activity in Harris Street, Cheetham Hill, M8.

The police entered a couple of shops that were open to the public and seized a range of counterfeit goods including clothing, bags, UGG’s, Beats headphones, jewellery and watches estimated at upwards of £250 k

No trading names were observed on the shops just shutters. 4 people were initially detained, however 3 were subsequently released and the fourth, who was an illegal immigrant was arrested.

Yesterday’s major enforcement was co-ordinated by the National Crime Agency, Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Trading Standards, UKBA, HM Immigration Services and respective trademark representatives.

Over £2 million worth of counterfeits were seized, press release as per:-

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/greater-manchester-police-seize-3d-6240319

This is very much a disruptive exercise just to get the counterfeits off of the streets before Christmas.  Nearly all our clients were affected and other raids are planned in coming weeks.

 

 

£250k Counterfeits Seized in Major Camden Operation

A major anti-counterfeit operation took place today (9th October 2013) in Camden focusing on Buck Street Market and numerous retail outlets in the area where an estimated £250,000 worth of counterfeits were taken off the street.

This operation, which was a great success, was carried out under the control of Kentish Town Police and numerous Anti-Counterfeiting Group members / trademark representatives together with officers from the Immigration Service.

Intelligence had been gathered for several months by ACG members and passed to the ACG Intelligence Co-ordinator who liaised with the Police and they took the lead in this operation.

Our clients affected were The Beatles, One Direction, JLS, Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones, Kiss, Justin Bieber, AC/DC, Ramones, Bob Marley, The Killers, Queen, Amy Winehouse, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, New Era Caps and State Property Caps.

£250k of Counterfeits Seized in Major Operation in Camden

A major anti-counterfeit operation took place today (9th October 2013) in Camden focusing on Buck Street Market and numerous retail outlets in the area where an estimated £250,000 worth of counterfeits were taken off the street.

This operation, which was a great success, was carried out under the control of Kentish Town Police and numerous Anti-Counterfeiting Group members / trademark representatives together with officers from the Immigration Service.

Intelligence had been gathered for several months by ACG members and passed to the ACG Intelligence Co-ordinator who liaised with the Police and they took the lead in this operation.

Our clients affected were The Beatles, One Direction, JLS, Sex Pistols, Rolling Stones, Kiss, Justin Bieber, AC/DC, Ramones, Bob Marley, The Killers, Queen, Amy Winehouse, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, New Era Caps and State Property Caps.

Scrap Metal Laws to Stop Metal Theft Come into Force

All scrap metal dealers will need to apply to their local council for a licence to operate under new rules which come into effect from 1 October.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, which clamps down on rogue traders, will also give local authorities and police new powers to inspect premises where they suspect illegal activity.

Metal Theft

Magistrates will be able to issue fines of up to £5,000 to scrap metal dealers who trade in cash.

As well as having the power to issue licences, councils will be able to refuse or revoke licences if a dealer is deemed unsuitable.

Crime Prevention Minister Jeremy Browne said:

Metal theft costs the UK economy around £220 million a year and it has a huge impact on our communities – from disrupted rail services to desecrated war memorials and damaged church roofs.

Our changes, including increasing financial penalties and banning cash payments, have already helped slash metal theft across the UK.

This new legislation will help tighten the net around rogue dealers who flout the rules and wilfully purchase stolen metal, while reforming the system to support legitimate businesses.

The new scrap metal laws will also mean:

  • all scrap metal dealers must verify the name and address of the seller at the point of sale, which is recorded and retained by the dealer
  • the cashless offence will apply to all scrap metal dealers including ‘mobile collectors’ who collect door to door
  • there will be a single national publicly available register of all scrap metal dealers

Scrap Metal

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther, from British Transport Police (BTP), said:

Today marks a very significant milestone in the fight against metal thieves

The Act demands a greater level of awareness and responsibility from traders, ensuring they verify who they are doing business with, but it also protects law abiding recyclers from unscrupulous traders.

It is vital that scrap metal traders are aware of the changes, including the new licensing regulations.

Metal thieves cause misery for thousands of people, whether targeting the rail network, power cables or telecommunications and today’s changes signal the introduction of a more robust licensing scheme to be monitored by local authorities.

Know the Law

  • All scrap metal dealers can apply for a licence from 1 October.
  • If a scrap metal dealer who is registered under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 or Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 applies on or before 15 October they will be deemed to have a licence until the local authority issues a licence decision.
  • Local authorities will complete checks to assess applicants’ suitability to hold a licence between 15 October and 1 December.
  • If a registered scrap metal dealer does not submit an application on or by 15 October their deemed licence will lapse on 16 October. A deemed temporary licence which has lapsed does not give rise to a right to appeal. The dealer must submit an application and wait for a licence to be issued before they can trade legally.
  • A local authority can impose conditions on a deemed temporary licence pending an appeal for the refusal of a licence.
  • Scrap metal dealers who are not registered under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 or the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 can apply for a scrap metal dealer’s licence from today 1 October but must wait for a licence to be issued before they can trade legally.
  • The offence of buying scrap metal for cash comes into force on 1 October.
  • Local authority officers and police officers will have the right to enter and inspect from 1 October.
  • The majority of the other enforcement provisions within the Act will come into force on 1 December.

Jailed Ebay Fraudster Must Hand Over £35k

Following a joint investigation by Doncaster Trading Standards and Surelock, a trader who sold fake merchandise over the internet for pop acts including One Direction has been ordered by the courts to hand over nearly £35,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Adrian Lindley, from the Lindholme area of Doncaster, was jailed last year after admitting selling the fake merchandise on the Ebay auction site.

The 47-year-old, from Varsity Close, had been running a successful internet business selling items of clothing on the internet auction website.

It is understood that he was then persuaded by one of his suppliers to take on additional product lines, bearing the names of pop acts including boy bands One Direction and The Wanted.

A spokesman for Doncaster Council, which brought the prosecution against Lindley, said: “Unfortunately for him, the names of the artists and groups had been registered as trademarks, and the clothing bearing the names and logos of One Direction, JLS, Justin Bieber and The Wanted were not authorised by the trademark holder.

“An investigation by Doncaster Council’s trading standards team resulted in the seizure of more than 1,300 items of clothing, together with computer and business records.”

Lindley pleaded guilty to five charges under Section 92 of the Trademarks Act 1994 on September 21 2012, and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

However, he was brought back before Sheffield Crown Court last month, when a confiscation order for £34,680 was made against him by judge Roger Keen.

The council spokesman added: “This money is split between the Home Office, the Courts Service and Doncaster Council, where the money can be used to fund further investigations.”

Following the confiscation order being made, Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, said: “Zero tolerance on crime and anti-social behaviour is a top priority for Doncaster Council.

“We welcome this sentence and confiscation order which shows that crime does not pay.”

Earlier this week, a shop owner from Blackpool was spared jail after being found with around 500 fake goods.

Burnley Crown Court heard that Ying Fu Qi, 48, had counterfeit badges, pendants, key rings and phone charms in names such as Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, Betty Boop and Pandora, in his shop on Blackpool Promenade.

He told trading standards officers he bought the items back from China in a suitcase in 2011.

Qi, of Broughton Avenue in Layton, had admitted five trademark offences.

He was given 28 days in prison, suspended for six months, and now faces a proceeds of crime hearing next February.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/jailed-one-direction-ebay-fraudster-must-hand-over-35-000-1-6072625