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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Paul Britton

Two HGVs were needed to remove this huge haul of fake goods after Strangeways raids

Police needed two articulated lorries to remove a huge haul of fake goods seized during the latest raid on the UK's 'counterfeit capital' in Manchester.

Fake clothing and trainers were among a 'large amount of goods' recovered in Strangeways, police said.

Police, council investigators and UK Border Force officials executed a number of warrants off Bury New Road near Strangeways prison.

GMP said the haul had a significant estimated value, although no exact figure has been revealed.

Images taken inside one of the buildings during the raids showed dozens of T-shirts and pairs of shorts hung up on hangers as well as trainers on display and boxes of other clothing and footwear on the floor.

T-shirts and trainers were seized (GMP)

Police were forced to call in the lorries to deal with the volume of items seized.

The raids on Thursday involved GMP's Cheetham and Crumpsall neighbourhood policing team.

Chief Inspector Kirsten Buggy said a large amount of goods with a significant estimated value were recovered and the sale of counterfeit goods funds criminality including serious, organised crime.

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"Targeting sales of counterfeit goods form part of our long standing commitment to tackling organised crime," she said.

"This activity attracts criminals to the area.

The operation in Strangeways (GMP)

"We will not tolerate those who seek to profit in this way and, working alongside our partners, we will work tirelessly to support our communities.

"We hope that this action will serve as a warning to others."

It's not known whether any arrests were made during the operation.

Part of the huge haul (GMP)

Investigators used high-powered circular saws to cut through steel doors and access buildings.

The area attracted its reputation for fakes - and the 'counterfeit capital' moniker - thanks to a government report.

According to the Intellectual Property Office, the area of Cheetham Hill 'occupies a focal point in the UK market for counterfeit goods'.

In the last publicised raid, in July, police seized around £4million worth of fake sports gear during a huge operation in Strangeways.

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 3580 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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