Wiltshire Police are urging shoppers to remain vigilant after a man was arrested and charged in connection with the sale of counterfeit goods in Swindon town centre.
On November 11, officers on patrol in Bridge Street noticed a man acting suspiciously while interacting with a member of the public. Following a search, a range of suspected counterfeit items were seized, including fragrances, phones, watches, and earpods.
Ionel Calin, 36, of Kelverlow Street, Oldham, has been charged with nine counts of possessing goods with a false trademark for sale. He is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on December 2.
PC Paul Bezzant said:
“We have had multiple reports of people selling suspected counterfeit goods in the town centre in recent weeks. As we approach the Christmas period and our town centres become busier, it’s important that people remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us immediately.
We’ll be increasing our patrols across Swindon’s shopping areas in the run-up to Christmas and will continue working closely with local retailers to address the challenges posed by those committing retail crime.”
This operation coincides with Safer Business Action Week, a national initiative led by the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) to tackle retail crime and support local businesses.
Neighbourhood policing teams across Wiltshire are conducting targeted patrols and crime prevention activities to help reduce offences such as shoplifting and counterfeit sales, ensuring safer environments for shoppers and retailers alike.
Anyone with information or concerns about counterfeit goods is urged to contact Wiltshire Police via www.wiltshire.police.uk or by calling 101.
