Counterfeit clothes and illegal vapes were among the items seized by Trading Standards Officers from the Public Protection Partnership (PPP) at a Wokingham car boot sale on 11 August.
Officers from the PPP – a shared service delivering Environmental Health, Licensing and Trading Standards on behalf of Bracknell Forest Council and West Berkshire Council – seized approximately 480 counterfeit garments with a combined value of around £2,500.
They also found illegal disposable vapes at a different stall which exceeded the 2ml liquid capacity permitted by the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2016.
Some of the devices on sale were found to contain 18ml of liquid and were seized from the stallholder. Enquiries are ongoing.
Councillor Jordan Montgomery, PPP Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “It is important for shoppers and car boot organisers to remain vigilant. While fake products may seem harmless, they are often sold on by organised criminal networks who also engage in human trafficking, drug smuggling and other serious crimes. These goods are often of inferior quality, but more importantly can be harmful to users themselves.
“We will continue to work with the public, brand holders and event organisers to ensure that we stop these illegal business practices. The sale of these items is not only damaging to the brand owners but also to legitimate local businesses who are trading fairly.”
