PSNI recover £500k worth of counterfeit clothing, watches and shoes

Fake clothing, watches, handbags and trainers were among the thousands of objects officers found.

The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing items that breach a registered trademark and possessing article infringing copyright. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

This was an operation by North West CID with the support of the Police Service’s Tactical Support Group, Neighbourhood Policing Officers and District Support officers.

They searched both a residential and business property.

The initial assessment by police is that these counterfeit designer goods would have represented well over half a million pounds worth of loss of value to the brands concerned.

Detective Inspector Gareth Lavery said: “It is easy to see the buying of fake goods as a harmless and victimless crime, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“While it may seem like a bargain to buy a designer item, people need to think of the consequences. Counterfeit goods are made by people in all parts of the world in terrible conditions with workers often trafficked or involved in human slavery. Low quality manufacturing can also make products dangerous to wear or use.

“Profits from counterfeit goods help to fund other crime including drug supply, human trafficking, organised crime groups and money laundering. The counterfeit trade impacts the UK economy with the loss of millions of pounds of revenue each year which could be put towards public services and the national infrastructure. I would urge people to reconsider their choices when faced with the option to buy fake goods and ask that if anyone encounters a counterfeit seller they report them.”

Information can be passed to police by calling 101 or by submitting a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org