Hundreds of counterfeit NFL hats were seized during a series of Trading Standards raids in Gloucestershire. On Tuesday, June 2, officers uncovered over 500 fake ‘New Era’ caps featuring NFL team logos, part of a larger haul linked to an online counterfeit operation.
In addition to the hats, around 300 other items—including lanyards and licence plates—were confiscated, with the total estimated value of the seized goods reaching approximately £13,000.
The raids took place at two properties in Kingsway and Churchdown, alongside inspections of storage units in Gloucester, following reports of counterfeit goods being sold online.
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Gloucestershire County Council confirmed that investigations into these fake products are ongoing. A council spokesperson emphasized the risks posed by counterfeit merchandise, noting that such goods are often substandard, potentially unsafe, and cause harm to legitimate businesses and the broader economy.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for Trading Standards, highlighted the commitment of local authorities to combat illicit trade. “This operation demonstrates our ongoing efforts to tackle the sale of counterfeit goods in Gloucestershire,” he said. “Fake items not only undermine honest traders and damage consumer trust but also lead to lost tax revenue that funds vital public services.”
The council urged anyone with information about suspected counterfeit sales to come forward and report it to Trading Standards to support the fight against illegal trade.