Council officers, alongside West Midlands Police and private-sector brand protection teams, seized counterfeit goods valued at £150,000—including fake Apple AirPods—during a raid at Bescot Market in the Black Country.
The operation took place on Sunday, December 10, targeting three stalls suspected of selling fake products. Among the confiscated items were counterfeit AirPods, which authorities warn could pose serious safety risks to users.
A spokesperson from Walsall Council explained, “Counterfeit electrical goods often rely on inferior components that may overheat, malfunction, or cause hearing damage, putting consumers in real danger.”
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This enforcement action is part of a sustained partnership between Walsall Trading Standards, the National Markets Group (NMG), and Walsall Football Club, aimed at curbing the sale of illegal and unsafe items.
Significant progress has been noted at Bescot Market over recent years. The number of stalls selling counterfeit products has dropped sharply—from around 30 in 2020 to just three in 2025—thanks to ongoing collaboration and proactive engagement.
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities, commented, “Bescot Market has come a long way thanks to the dedicated efforts of the market operator and Walsall FC to combat counterfeit trading. Fake goods not only damage legitimate businesses but can endanger consumers. Electrical items, in particular, risk causing fires, electric shocks, or hearing injuries.”
He added, “While the situation has greatly improved, we remain committed to working with partners to ensure counterfeit and unsafe products have no place in Walsall.”
Walsall Council will continue its joint efforts with NMG, the market operator, and West Midlands Police to uphold compliance and protect consumers. Residents are encouraged to report suspected counterfeit sales to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133.