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Over 1,000 counterfeit items of clothing have been seized from Bescot Market during a multi-agency enforcement operation.

 

Trading Standards officers at Walsall Council, police officers and brand protection representatives from four major clothing manufacturers conducted the intelligence led initiative, in an effort to combat the huge problem of counterfeit clothing and footwear that is present at Bescot Market.

 

The raid took place at the market on November 1st and officers seized more than 1,100 counterfeit items which, had the items been genuine, would generate more than £75,000 in a retail environment.

 

Household names such as Nike, Adidas, G-star, Lyle & Scott, Henley’s and Ralph Lauren, were amongst the brands found on display. Following examination from the brand protection officers, all of it was discovered to be counterfeit.

 

The stallholder ran away from his stall as the officers approached it and he effectively abandoned all of his stock, his personal effects, mobile phone and his vehicle.

 

Details of the stallholder were provided by market operators LSD Promotions.

 

Walsall Council will continue to work with LSD Promotions in an effort to rid Bescot Market of all counterfeit products and protect members of the public from their circulation.

 

Councillor Garry Perry, cabinet member for safer stronger communities at Walsall Council, said: “The counterfeit production and selling market is immense. It is often accompanied by far more serious criminal activity such as drug dealing, money laundering, gang related violence and weapons.

 

“By purchasing the counterfeit items, members of the public should be aware that their money may be funding all kinds of serious criminal behaviour.”