Counterfeit perfume worth £17,000 seized in Southampton raid

A multi-agency operation took place this week in the crack down on the sale of illegal goods in Southampton’s Above Bar Street.

Southampton City Council’s Trading Standards, Licensing and City Welfare Wardens joined forces with Hampshire Constabulary, The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) and Portsmouth Trading Standards in the successful joint exercise.

Six arrests were made and counterfeit perfumes with an estimated street value of over £17,000 were seized after searching three nearby vehicles.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Steven Galton, said: "The sale of fake and illegal goods on our high streets is a blight on our community. The sellers are unscrupulous, misleading and harassing the public whilst undermining legitimate business owners.

Inspector Clare Denyer from Southampton Central’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said “This operation demonstrates some excellent partnership work, resulting in a number of arrests."

“Those who sell illegal goods have no regard for consumers or the legitimate traders who are often put out of business because of them. The goods they sell are often fake or of poor quality, leaving those who have bought items, and other businesses out of pocket."