Four people have been arrested and 8,500 counterfeit DVDs seized after search warrants were carried out at four houses in the Midlands on Monday (24 November).

The raids were conducted following a lengthy intelligence enquiry into the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit digital media in the Leicestershire area.

Trading Standards Officers from Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire along with police officers from Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire carried out the operation, assisted by investigating officers from FACT.

Four males were arrested at addresses in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

Along with the discs other equipment seized in the raids included 16 burners, several hard drives, printers and multiple memory devices.

Counterfeit DVDs seized included titles such as 10,000 BC, Vantage Point and Outpost.

Kieron Sharp, FACT Director General, said: “The trade in counterfeit DVDs brings harm to local communities and threatens local businesses and legitimate market traders.

I would like to thank all the agencies involved for their assistance and their continued efforts to tackle this problem.”

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