Thousands of fake goods seized in market raid

More than 3,000 counterfeit products were seized at Furnace End Market

Thousands of fake products have been seized during a raid at a Warwickshire market.

Police and trading standards targeted a number of stalls at Furnace End Market near Nuneaton and found more than 3,000 counterfeit goods.

These included clothing, shoes, handbags, perfumes, cosmetics, electrical goods, vapes and alcohol.

The county council said the products would have an estimated value of £1.5m if they were genuine.

Councillor Andy Crump, portfolio holder for community safety, said the selling of fake goods threatened the livelihoods of genuine businesses.

He said counterfeit cosmetics and perfumes could also cause severe skin reactions, while fake electrical goods may pose an “electrocution hazard”.

“By seizing these products, we are protecting Warwickshire consumers and supporting genuine businesses,” he added.

Investigation continues

According to the council, traders who were targeted ran away from their stalls, leaving their goods behind.

No arrests were made during the raid. Investigations are ongoing.

Sgt Adam Skelsey, from Warwickshire Police’s Atherstone Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “While it may be tempting to buy counterfeit designer goods at a fraction of the cost of the genuine thing, we all end up paying for it eventually.”

Reports of the sale of counterfeit goods can be made to Warwickshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

More information about Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards Service can be found online.