POLICE and trading standards officers from Bexley have raided premises in Sidcup and Dartford in connection with the sale of counterfeit DVDs.

Assisted by investigators from FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft), they seized counterfeit DVDs and burners in a raid on a property in Great Queen Street, Dartford.

A 31-year-old Sidcup man was arrested on suspicion of selling counterfeit DVDs on several websites and was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

Counterfeit copies of recent films including Seven Pounds, Australia and 4 Christmases, a laptop, 22 burners and 600 blank recordable DVDs were also found.

Officers also searched an address in Sidcup where they seized cash and other equipment.

FACT investigators had monitored sales on a number of websites after complaints from members of the public.

Kieron Sharp from FACT, said: "The trade in counterfeit DVDs over the internet is not a harmless activity but serious criminality affecting the livelihoods of the tens of thousands of people who work in the UK film and TV industries.”

To report the manufacture or sale of counterfeit DVDs call the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact your local safer neighbourhoods team.