Bury Trading Standards and GMP seize thousands of suspected counterfeit goods in major joint operation

Major counterfeit goods haul removed from circulation following partnership enforcement action

A significant quantity of suspected counterfeit and illicit goods has been seized following a joint operation between Bury Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of enforcement partners to protecting consumers, supporting legitimate businesses and disrupting criminal activity operating within local communities.

The operation resulted in the removal of 3,824 suspected counterfeit and illicit items from circulation, including more than 2,600 bottles of branded fragrances, alongside cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco, disposable vapes, electronic goods, fashion accessories and a wide range of other products bearing the trademarks of internationally recognised brands. Among the products seized were items purporting to be associated with luxury and high-value manufacturers including Dyson, Rolex, Apple, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, YSL, Jo Malone and Creed.

The seized goods are believed to have a street value of many thousands of pounds, although a full valuation is still being undertaken. Among the items recovered were fragrances suspected of imitating high-end designer brands that can retail for several hundred pounds per bottle.

This enforcement activity forms part of Bury Council's wider commitment to tackling so-called "dodgy shops" and businesses linked to serious and organised crime, whilst supporting the vast majority of local traders who operate responsibly and contribute positively to the borough's economy.

Zero-tolerance approach

The Council has a zero-tolerance approach to illegal trading practices that undermine consumer confidence, facilitate organised crime and create unfair competition for legitimate businesses.

Working closely with GMP and other enforcement partners, Bury Trading Standards undertakes intelligence-led activity to identify, investigate and disrupt businesses suspected of engaging in unlawful activity. This targeted approach ensures that enforcement resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact in protecting residents, supporting lawful commerce and maintaining confidence in Bury's town centres and high streets.

Councillor Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion said:

"The overwhelming majority of businesses in Bury are honest, hardworking traders who play by the rules and make an important contribution to our local economy. Our message is clear: we will continue to support legitimate businesses whilst taking robust, intelligence-led action against those who seek to profit through illegal activity.

This operation demonstrates our commitment to delivering on the Council's pledge to tackle so-called 'dodgy shops', working alongside Greater Manchester Police and other partners to disrupt criminality, protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for responsible businesses.

Counterfeit goods are far from victimless crimes. They can pose serious risks to consumers, undermine legitimate businesses and in some cases provide income streams for organised criminal groups. We will continue to use all available powers and partnerships to take action where illegal trading is identified."

A spokesperson for Bury Public Protection said:

"Counterfeit goods frequently fail to meet required safety standards and can expose consumers to significant risks. This outcome demonstrates our determination to investigate reports of illegal trading and to work closely with Greater Manchester Police and other enforcement partners to protect residents and businesses across the borough.

Partnership working is essential in tackling this type of offending and ensuring that criminal enterprises cannot gain an unfair advantage over legitimate businesses."

Ongoing investigations

Notes to Editors

• Joint operation undertaken by Bury Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police.
• A total of 3,824 suspected counterfeit and illicit products were seized.
• Seized products included fragrances, cigarettes, hand rolling tobacco, disposable vapes, electronic goods, watches, fashion accessories, bags and other branded merchandise.
• The location and identity of the premises involved are being withheld due to an ongoing criminal investigation and the potential for future legal proceedings.
• The operation supports Bury Council's wider commitment to protecting consumers, supporting legitimate businesses and taking intelligence-led enforcement action against businesses involved in illegal activity.