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Storage units used as shop for fake designer goods

Phil McCannand
Georgie Docker,North West
BBC Imitation Louis Vuitton Neverfull handbag in denim next to many imitation LV orange sunglasses boxes and a black Chanel bag. BBC
Stacks of counterfeit designer items were laid out inside steel storage units in Failsworth

Multiple storage units filled with counterfeit designer goods have been uncovered after a police raid in Greater Manchester.

Four large containers were cut open at a site in Failsworth, in Oldham as part of a multi-agency raid carried out by police from London and the North West at 09:00 GMT on 19 March.

Three units were filled with imitation designer clothes, shoes, bags and cosmetics - with products destined for sale including counterfeit Nike, Fendi, Chanel and Rolex items.

Police believe the containers were used as a shop for customers to browse the counterfeit contents and said no arrests have been made but investigations are ongoing.

Rows and rails of imitation designer items including trainers, sunglasses, store branded carrier bags and rails of clothes. There is a full length mirror in shot and a man wearing a white suit and disposable gloves stands inside the container.
In one container officers uncovered counterfeit goods set up on display next to a full-length mirror

DC Daryl Fryatt said of one of the shipping containers: "It has been made to look like a store for counterfeit goods.

"Goods from well-known fashion brands clearly curated here to create a shop-type style for customers to come here and buy counterfeit goods."

Man in white suit examines imitation Canada Goose fur-hooded parka coats.
Fryatt said counterfeit goods are 'problem' in the region that the force is looking to clamp down on

The operation came after a referral was made by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) -which is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property rights including patents, designs, trademarks and copyright.

The IPO investigations team receive intelligence from a range of sources including brands and trading standards, before passing the evidence to law enforcement.

Law enforcement officers with black vests and heavy duty tools are cutting into a large blue storage unit container. The machinery is sparking as they carve through the metal.
The raids were executed by more than 30 officers from the City of London's Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Speaking at the scene of the operation, Kate Caffery, from the IPO told BBC North West Tonight about the criminality of counterfeiters and its link to serious crime.

"Counterfeits pose a real risk," Caffery said. "So from a consumer's point of view, it's an illicit trade, so these goods are produced in factories or places that are not regulated, so health and safety standards aren't adhered to."

A woman with brown hair and black jumper smiles. There is a police car behind her and large blue metal containers
Kate Caffery, IPO Deputy Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement was at the raid

"Best case, you're going to get a substandard product, but worst case you're going to get something that potentially poses a dangerous hazard," Caffery said.

"Counterfeit goods generate a significant amount of criminal income - second only worldwide to the drugs trade - so when you're purchasing counterfeit goods you don't know where that money's going," she added.

According to the IPO the most recent estimate indicates that around £7 billion counterfeit and pirated goods are imported into the UK in a single year.

The government body also said previously tested counterfeit perfumes have shown traces of animal urine and faeces.

Man in white suit, face covering and disposable gloves examines a product. He rests on one knee looking closely at something. A white counterfeit 'Nike' trainer and red shoebox are at the front of the photo
Evidence was gathered from the scene by specialist crew as the investigation into the counterfeiters continues

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