The action was planned and conducted with partners from the Intellectual Property Office and Police Scotland, and supported by a number of brand protection representatives.
Working closely with brand representatives, the recovered property will now be examined and a range of enforcement options will be considered. As the investigation is ongoing no further information can be provided at this stage.
Protect the public and legitimate businesses
Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, which oversees Trading Standards, said: “This operation will protect the public and legitimate businesses by seizing fake goods and causing a high level of disruption to the trade of these goods.
“Dealing in counterfeit goods undermines the hard work of legitimate local businesses and harms prosperity and growth across Stirling and the wider region. It also affects consumers who buy goods which are often sub-standard or with the belief they are genuine items.
“This action sends a clear message to those who engage in illegal trading in Stirling and Clackmannanshire, that this will not be tolerated.”
It is illegal to sell counterfeit goods under the Trade Marks Act 1994. Research shows buying illegal goods:
- Results in tens of thousands of innocent people losing their jobs each year and lower tax revenues for the UK government impacting public services
- Impacts workers’ rights around the world
- Is linked to organised crime including those complicit in human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and prostitution.
Anyone with concerns about illicit goods can report their concerns and receive advice from Trading Standards partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on telephone 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot.
Stirling and Clackmannanshire businesses can contact Trading Standards with specific queries on tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk
For more info on the work of our Trading Standards Service, visit: www.stirling.gov.uk/business-and-licences/trading-standards