Fake designer gear seized at market

More than £250,000-worth of fake trainers, sunglasses and clothes have been seized from stalls at a Walsall market.

Four van-loads of counterfeit goods were taken from Bescot Market on Sunday during a crackdown by investigators.

The haul included 1,000 pairs of phoney Nike and Lacoste trainers, 100 pairs of designer sunglasses, sweatshirts, hoodies, jeans and T-shirts from top brands including Adidas, Timberland and G-Star.

Trading standards officers swooped on five stalls and two vehicles at Walsall FC’s car park in Bescot Crescent. The estimated retail value of the goods, if they had been genuine, is £250,000.

Two months ago, 64 pellet guns, selling for £1, were taken from stalls at the market, which is operated by LSD Promotions Ltd.

Councillor Rachel Walker, portfolio holder for environment at Walsall Council, said “A huge amount of fake goods were found on one stall at Bescot Market on Sunday.

“Hats off to our enforcement officers who, together with the police and representatives from trademark holders Nike and Timberland, seized approximately £250,000-worth of goods.”

Due to the sheer volume of merchandise, officers did not have time to visit other stalls on the market last weekend.

Councillor Walker added: “This goes to show that we will not tolerate counterfeit goods being sold in Walsall and Sunday’s action should be taken as a warning to other traders to make sure any brand named goods they sell are genuine.”