Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team has seized around £150,000 worth of counterfeit goods following an enforcement operation at Bescot Market.
The joint operation, carried out on Sunday 7 December, involved West Midlands Police and private-sector brand protection teams. Officers targeted three stalls suspected of selling illegal items.
Among the goods seized were counterfeit clothing and imitation Apple AirPods. Many of these items raise serious safety concerns, particularly electrical products, which can contain substandard components. These can overheat, malfunction or even cause hearing damage, posing a genuine risk to consumers.
The action forms part of ongoing partnership work between Walsall Trading Standards, the National Markets Group (NMG) and Walsall Football Club to tackle the sale of counterfeit and unsafe goods.
Significant progress has been made at Bescot Market in recent years. The number of stalls selling counterfeit products has reduced considerably—from around 30 in 2020 to just three in 2025—reflecting sustained enforcement and collaboration with market operators.
“ Bescot Market has made huge strides in recent years, and we recognise the hard work of the market operator and Walsall FC in helping to tackle counterfeit trading.
“Counterfeit goods undermine legitimate businesses and can be dangerous for consumers. Electrical products in particular can put people at risk of fire, shock or hearing injury.
“This operation shows that while the situation has improved massively, we will continue working with our partners to ensure counterfeit and unsafe items have no place in Walsall. “
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities
Walsall Council has confirmed it will continue working closely with partners to maintain compliance and protect shoppers from illegal and potentially dangerous products.
Residents who suspect counterfeit goods are being sold can report concerns to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.