Thousands of potentially dangerous and counterfeit items including ‘hoverboards’, toys and cosmetics have been seized in an operation by Ealing Council and the police.

Ealing Council trading standards officers and the police carried out the joint operation in a dawn raid on a shipping container yard off Bridge Road, Southall on Wednesday, 6 January 2016.

More than 47,000 counterfeit and potentially unsafe goods destined for traders in Ealing and across the rest of the UK and Europe were seized from 53 shipping containers which were opened at the yard. The haul also included illegal cigarettes and tobacco, counterfeit mobile phone accessories, counterfeit Apple and Premiership football club merchandise, designer branded watches and replacement batteries, as well as counterfeit and potentially unsafe ‘Disney’ and ‘Angry Birds’ toys.

The operation was part of the Better Business Compliance Partnership (BBCP), a national initiative led by the government’s Public Services Transformation Network. As a member of the partnership, Ealing Council is working with officers from other local and government agencies to crack down on businesses across the borough which may be breaking the law. Issues which they are tackling include selling dangerous goods, tax evasion, illegal workers and paying workers less than the statutory minimum wage.

Samples of the suspected counterfeit goods will now be taken away for testing and officers will examine documentation for the self-balancing scooters, commonly known as ‘hoverboards’.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for safety, culture and community services, said: "We are determined to protect our residents by stopping dangerous goods reaching the market. When we do find unscrupulous businesses we will take action. Working with other agencies means we can share intelligence and make the best use of our expertise."

Ealing borough police’s inspector Graham Dunn said: "The Better Business Compliance initiative has provided many opportunities to reduce crime, improve community safety and stop illegal activity. Ealing police are committed to continue working with partners to drive down crime, share intelligence and tackle these issues effectively. This particular operation has demonstrated the excellent results which can be achieved where partners work together and pool expertise."