Crackdown on the counterfeiters at Shepherds Bush Market

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Council trading standards officers were supported by the police in a successful blitz on suspected counterfeit ‘designer’ clothing and accessories at Shepherds Bush Market on Wednesday (9 February).

The joint operation involved four trading standards officers, from the council’s environment department, 21 police officers from Hammersmith & Fulham Police, ten police and community support officers from the police’s Safer Neighbourhoods team as well as customs and immigration officials.

The crackdown was a response to complaints from legitimate market traders who face unfair competition from stalls selling fake designer branded goods.
A total of 1,100 suspected counterfeit items – which used Burberry, Akademics, D & G and DKNY designs or logos among others – were seized. The confiscated goods, including t-shirts, hooded tops, tracksuits and handbags, are worth an estimated £50,000 to £75,000.

Six people were arrested on suspicion of dealing in counterfeit goods – an offence under the Trade Marks Act 1994, which carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and a possible prison term of up to ten years.

Cllr Michael Cartwright, the council’s deputy for environment, said: “We were responding to the concerns of law-abiding traders on the market, who face unfair competition from those selling counterfeit goods. Illegal traders rip-off the public by selling them poor quality fakes at inflated prices and are often avoiding paying VAT and council tax as well. The council and the police want to protect the livelihoods of legitimate businesses on the market, who contribute to the local economy and the vibrant multicultural atmosphere of Shepherds Bush.”

The police officers who joined the operation included members of the Safer Neighbourhoods teams from Shepherds Bush Green and other areas as well as new recruits to Shepherds Bush police station

February 13, 2005