Mobile phones Pic: Irita Kirsbluma

A Lewisham property was raided by the police and Lewisham Council’s Trading Standard’s team yesterday, as part of an operation to stop the sale of counterfeit electrical goods across London.

Police seized 200 counterfeit mobile phone chargers and batteries at one unnamed business near Lewisham High Street.

The raids were part of a wider operation carried out by the City of London Intellectual Property Crime Unit. The operation targeted commercial and residential properties in London that were suspected of storing fake branded laptops and mobile phone equipment.

Police carried out similar raids in Newham, Camden and Redbridge. Trading standards authorities from the boroughs and representatives from the brands affected were also present at the raids.

Documentation and suspected counterfeit goods were seized from 10 other premises across these boroughs.

As a result of the London-wide operation, four men were arrested and later bailed.

Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services at Lewisham Council, said: “Lewisham Council will continue to support the police in their operations and, in addition to making sure businesses comply with the law, we will continue to support traders in raising awareness of the illegal sale of counterfeit goods.”