A large number of fake car badges and wheel caps worth almost £10,000 have been found in Gloucester.

Following a tip off, Gloucestershire trading standards officers raided an industrial unit on the outskirts of the city and uncovered more than they bargained for.

Officers seized 859 assorted counterfeit hood badges and wheel centres. Among the fake badges were brands such as VW, BMW, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo, Renault, Mercedes Benz, Audi and Mini.

Approximately £9,200 worth of counterfeit car badges and wheel inserts were found at the unit when searched on Wednesday 14th March.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: "Selling counterfeit goods is a serious offence. The sale of fake goods takes trade away from legitimate business. It is important to ensure legitimate traders are protected and those who think they can make a quick buck are stopped straight away

"If you feel tempted to sell counterfeit goods, I'd urge you to think twice. You may not know it, but you could be facing a criminal record that will affect the rest of your life. Those involved in selling counterfeit goods face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine."

If anyone has information they would like to pass on regarding the sale of counterfeit, or suspiciously cheap goods, they can tell us via the national consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or via our website: glos.tradingstandards.uk