Trading Standards Officers from the London Borough of Bexley and the Metropolitan Police, assisted by investigators from FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft), seized counterfeit DVDs and burners in a raid on a property in Great Queen Street, Dartford, Kent last Thursday (22 January).

A 31-year-old man has been arrested for selling counterfeit DVDs on several websites. He has since been released and bailed to return pending further enquiries.

Counterfeit copies of recent films including Seven Pounds, Australia and 4 Christmases were among the items seized. A laptop, 22 burners and 600 blank recordable DVD were also seized.

Trading Standards and Police also executed a search warrant at a separate address in Sidcup in connection with this operation where they seized cash along with other equipment.

FACT Internet Investigators had monitored sales on a number of websites after several complaints from members of the public.

Kieron Sharp, Director General of FACT, said: “The trade in counterfeit DVDs over the internet is not a harmless activity but serious criminality that FACT is working to attack in conjunction with law enforcement agencies across the UK. This criminality affects the livelihoods of the tens of thousands of people who work in the UK film and TV industries.

“I would like to thank the London Borough of Bexley Trading Standards and  Metropolitan Police for their assistance and their continued efforts to fight this problem.”

Clive Cain, Bexley’s Head of Public Protection (Business Sector) said: “This excellent result demonstrates the benefit of enforcement agencies working in partnership. The Trading Standards Team is small but with the assistance of the Police and FACT have been able to take decisive action against a rogue trader who has profited at the expense of legitimate businesses including high street retailers.”

To report the manufacture or sale of counterfeit DVDs call the charity CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods team.