WILTSHIRE Police has issued a warning to residents over stolen or fake goods being offered for sale in the lead up to Christmas.

This comes after an incident in Swindon on Sunday where a man was arrested and subsequently charged for allegedly attempting to sell an item with a false trademark.

The force is reminding people that "it is a criminal offence for anyone to sell or offer to sell any goods which have a registered trademark of a company without their permission".

PC Jonathan Kilburn said: “Many of these goods don’t work or are of much poorer quality than the real thing.

“If the price offered is too good to be true then it probably is. These goods could be fake or stolen.

“If the goods are stolen and then identified by the police, they could be returned to the original owner, leaving you out of pocket.”

The following advise has been issued:

  • It is not uncommon for people who don’t live in the area to travel and try sell their goods in the street. Be cautious, only shop at legitimate stores / established market stalls or online retailers.
  • Do your research before you buy any goods and compare prices.
  • Ask the seller if the goods you are going to buy are real or fake. If you are not sure, don’t purchase the goods and just walk away.
  • Please call the police or Trading Standards if you suspect someone is trying to sell any fake or stolen goods.

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