Raid on Market Street, Farnworth uncovers £2M in fake goods

The haul included fake designer clothes, watches, trainers, perfumes, cigarettes and vapes, found stashed at a premises on Market Street in Farnworth.

Police and Bolton Council trading standards officers launched a joint raid on Saturday, August 24 after hearing reports from the public that counterfeit goods were being sold. 

Bolton Council cabinet member for regulatory services Cllr Sue Haworth said: “This is a fantastic result for our trading standards team and an example of great partnership work with the police.  

“Fake products may seem harmless but they are often sold by groups linked to organised crime.

The raid was carried out on Market Street in Farnworth (Image: Bolton Council)

“It’s also worth remembering fake cosmetics and tobacco products are not regulated and can be harmful to health.  

“We will continue to work with the police to stamp out this illegal trading in Bolton to protect the public and those businesses who trade legally.”

Images supplied by trading standards officers at the scene show the huge haul, with boxes stuffed full of all kinds of counterfeit goods.

Fake hand bags and perfumes were found (Image: Bolton Council)

There were also fake designer handbags on display, with fake perfumes and piles of fake designer trainers with all kinds of labels.

The haul also included fake trainers (Image: Bolton Council)

They say that they will be continuing their investigation into the fake goods and the suspects behind them.

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The trading standards team at Bolton Council often deal with allegations of counterfeit goods being stolen and are also tasked with dealing with rogue traders and loan sharks.

They often carry out joint operations with Greater Manchester Police when dealing with large scale allegations of selling counterfeit goods, which is often linked to organised crime gangs.

Members of the public who suspect that counterfeit goods are being sold anywhere around the borough have been encouraged to get in touch with trading standards at Bolton Council.

They can do so by emailing trading.standards@bolton.gov.uk or by calling 0808 223 1133.