Dozens of 'counterfeit goods' seized from street sellers in Leigh

With long-running concerns over anti-social behaviour in Leigh town centre, residents and business owners have raised issues such as criminal damage, trespassing, alcohol consumption, and illegal traders.

Confirming their determination to tackle this behaviour and make the town centre a safer place, GMP reported that two street sellers were detained for selling counterfeit perfume and headphones on Monday, April 24.

After 50 bottles of "counterfeit fragrances" and 14 sets of "counterfeit headphones" were seized, officers said they will work with the council's trading standards team to take enforcement action against these individuals.

Those caught selling counterfeit goods can face time in prison or an unlimited fine.

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Concerns of anti-social behaviour have been raised in the town centre (Image: Leigh Journal)

Officers also reported that they enforced the Public Space Protection Order after several individuals were caught drinking alcohol in the town centre. They were reported to be "spoken to" and their alcohol poured away.

Under a Public Spaces Prevention Order, the town centre is intended to be an alcohol-free zone to restrict the likelihood of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Officers have also joined forces with local business owners, the town's MP James Grundy and the Leigh Means Business group over the past year; forming an action plan to tackle anti-social behaviour and its root causes.

A targeted education campaign was launched by the group, while business owners invested thousands of pounds to install CCTV cameras, increase street lighting and anti-climbing paint, and resurface streets and alleyways.

Members of Leigh Means Business, GMP, and Leigh MP James Grundy (Image: Leigh Means Business)

Speaking about the counterfeit goods seizures, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Counterfeit goods not only fund organised crime, but can also present a real safety risk to you and your family.

"Please think twice before purchasing any such items and consider reporting any activity of this nature to your local trading standards team or the police."