Fake designer handbags seized as multi-agency raid hits Preston firms suspected of criminality
A haul of counterfeit designer handbags and heavy machinery running on illegal fuel were seized during a major multi-agency crackdown on suspected criminal businesses in Preston.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, November 19, saw officers from the Prosper Partnership Team and Preston Task Force join forces with Preston City Council, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Lancashire Trading Standards and Immigration Enforcement.
Teams targeted several premises on Maitland Street in the St Matthew’s area following intelligence from the local community.
HMRC seized ten pieces of heavy plant and machinery found running on rebated gas oil, while more than 30 fake designer handbags were confiscated by Trading Standards.
Immigration officers dealt with three individuals and Preston City Council identified two new planning breaches, which will now be formally investigated.
Sergeant Hargreaves said: “This action has been taken as a result, in part, of information we have received from the community.
“We keep listening to you and acting on intelligence received to target premises suspected of being involved in illegal activity, like those targeted as part of this operation.
“We will continue to work with our partners to prosecute anyone who is committing criminal offences in Preston and encourage the public to continue to tell us about concerns they have.”
Councillor Amber Afzal, cabinet member for planning and regulation at Preston City Council, said the results showed the value of coordinated enforcement.
“By working together with our partners on multi-agency days of action much more can be achieved by disrupting illegal activity, and uncovering actions such as the planning breaches found on this occasion,” she said.
“Our enforcement officers will now investigate the unauthorised works.”
If you have any concerns about crime in your area, call 101 or report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.
Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency.