Counterfeit luxury goods seized during raid on house near Chester

Dec 16 2009 Chester Chronicle

TRADING Standards officers and Cheshire Police carried out a warrant at a house in Milton Green near Chester which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit luxury goods which if genuine would have a retail value of around a quarter of a million pounds.

In a joint operation Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Trading Standards Officers discovered items including GHD hair straighteners, UGG Boots, Rolex watches, Tiffany and Chanel jewellery and Ed Hardy and D&G clothing.

Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Area and Community Services which including Trading Standards said: “Christmas is a bonanza time for counterfeit sellers with people looking for the latest in designer wear and accessories.

“Protect yourself against being sold a fake by making sure you only buy from reputable shops and internet sites.

“Remember if it looks too good to be true it probably is.”

A 43-year-old man was arrested at the scene and released on police bail until February 15. He was also issued with a warning for possession of cannabis after a small amount of the drug was found during the warrant.

Inspector Phillip Hodgson from the Western Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This latest warrant is part of ongoing efforts by the Neighbourhood Policing Team to tackle crime and drug use.

“We hope that our efforts are helping to reassure residents that we take these issues extremely seriously.

“The majority of the warrants we carry out are as a result of information gathered from the local community. This information is vital in the fight against crime.

“We are committed to working with the local community and we would urge anyone with information to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.