Hundreds of NFL hats seized as reported fakes

Hundreds of NFL branded hats suspected of being fakes have been seized after a Trading Standards investigation.

More than 800 suspected counterfeit items, including more than 500 "new era" NFL hats, were seized after searches of properties in the Kingsway and Churchdown areas of Gloucester.

A further 300 items including lanyards and licence plates were also removed, with a total estimated value of about £13,000.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for Trading Standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This operation shows our continued commitment to tackling the sale of suspected counterfeit goods in Gloucestershire."

Counterfeit goods can be poor quality and may not meet safety standards.

Trading Standards said the investigation was ongoing and had started after intelligence was received about suspected fake goods being sold online.

As part of the investigation, inspections were carried out at lock-ups in Gloucester on Tuesday.

Hodgkinson said: "These items can undermine honest businesses and damage consumer confidence, as well as reducing the funds available for vital public services through lost tax revenue.

"Our Trading Standards team works hard to identify and disrupt this type of activity, helping to protect residents and support fair trading across the county."

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