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Properties in Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone and New Romney and Canterbury targeted in anti-rogue trader purge

Suspected counterfeit clothing and illicit tobacco have been seized by police in an anti-rogue trader purge in Shepway.

A search warrant was executed at an address in Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone, on Wednesday.

The police anti-rogue trade raid at Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone.
The police anti-rogue trade raid at Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone.

A total 167 products were seized also including computers and mobile phones, which were taken away for further testing.

A 38-year-old man at the address was formally interviewed and inquiries are on-going.

This was organised as part of Kent Police’s participation in the national week-long crime prevention campaign targeting rogue traders and forceful doorstep sellers.

Operation Rogue Trader is a joint scheme run by Operation Liberal, a national intelligence unit, and Trading Standards.

Police had joined Trading Standards to turn up at a total four properties that day.

The scene of the anti-rogue trader raid at Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone,
The scene of the anti-rogue trader raid at Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone,

The other three visits did not need warrants and had the co-operation of occupants.

Police and officials turned up in Canterbury at an address in Iffen Lane and offices at Lombard House.

A property in Carey Close, New Romney, was also visited as part of the Canterbury investigations and evidence has been seized including documentation.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested as part of those investigations on suspicion of fraud and has been bailed until November 2 pending further enquiries.

Supt Lee Russell said: “Counterfeit goods are very often offer poor value for money, even though it seems like a good deal at the time.

“Similarly, bogus builders and cowboy tradesmen use underhand sales pitches, usually targeting the vulnerable, charge high prices but carry out poor quality work.

“The money generated by rogue traders and bogus builders is used to fund their lifestyle while legitimate businesses are left out of pocket and their customers are left to pick up the pieces.

“This week builds on our existing partnership working with Trading Standards. A large quantity of evidence has been seized.

‘It should send a clear message to rogue traders that their idea of business will not be tolerated in Kent.”

The police raid at Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone.
The police raid at Ingoldsby Road, Folkestone.

Clive Phillips, Trading Standards operations manager, said: “We will continue to work together to crack down on this illegal trade which is estimated to cost brands billions each year.

“People found to be selling counterfeit goods risk being prosecuted and any income made can be recouped through Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings.”

Members of the public are urged to report counterfeiters to Kent Trading Standards using their online information sharing form, which can be accessed through www.kent.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/consumer-protection/report-a-problem-to-KCC-trading-standards.

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