Thousands of items of counterfeit clothing have been seized from a shop in Ingoldmells during the county council’s crackdown on fake goods.
Officers raided the store earlier this month and discovered a huge haul of fake trainers and clothing imitating global brands including Adidas, Nike, Dior, Stone Island, and North Face, as well as illegal cigarettes.
The enforcement is part of Operation Grab, a partnership between Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police tackling the supply of unsafe, counterfeit goods on Lincolnshire’s east coast.
As well as inspecting and seizing illegal stock, officers have been visiting businesses, providing advice on compliance with intellectual property and product safety regulations.
Cllr Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for community safety at Lincolnshire County Council, said:
"We’re stepping up the fight against fake goods and protecting people’s safety. Not only do these illegal sales rip off brands, they also negatively impact law-abiding, tax paying businesses who are licensed to sell genuine goods.
“Buying counterfeit products is a false economy. These items are usually made from poor quality materials and may be easily flammable. Our message is clear: don’t be tempted by these unsafe products that bankroll organised crime.
“I’d urge any business owners who may be considering stocking these products to think again – Lincolnshire Trading Standards will investigate criminal offences being committed and prosecute where appropriate.”
Lincolnshire Police Sergeant Katie Moore said: "We remain committed to working in close partnership with our colleagues at Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards to disrupt the criminal networks operating in our county - networks that thrive on exploitation and deception.
"Their actions undermine hardworking, law-abiding businesses and erode trust in our local economy, and at times, pose a risk to public health and safety through the sale of unregulated, sub-standard goods. Through targeted raids, we’re sending a clear and uncompromising message: we will protect the public and defend the integrity of legitimate trade across Lincolnshire."
If you have any information about the sale of counterfeit products in Lincolnshire, please report this through the Citizens Advice consumer service at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or by calling 0808 223 1133.