A PARTNERSHIP initiative aimed at targeting the sale and production of counterfeit DVDs has resulted in the arrest of a man and a number of DVDs being seized.

Medway police officers joined forces with Medway Council Trading Standards and FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) in a patrol of a boot fair in High Street, Strood, on Sunday.

A stall was closed down after a test purchase revealed that suspected counterfeit DVDs were on sale. A 51-year-old man from Strood was arrested on suspicion of producing counterfeit DVDs and was taken into custody at Medway police station. He was later bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers then went to the home of the man where an extensive search was conducted. Hundreds of DVDs and blank cases were seized. Two DVD burners, that can copy around 12 discs an hour and are worth £200 each were, also taken away by officers.

Copies of films such as This is England and 23, were among the haul. Other titles included 300 and Shooter.

The initiative was led by beat officer for Strood South, PC Tony Horn, who said: "Organised criminal networks make huge profits from DVD piracy often showing little regard for the quality of content of what they are selling.

"The illegal sale of DVD’s has a financial implication for those retailers who are trying to make an honest living and we are keen to promote a feeling of protection amongst law-abiding traders in Strood.

"I am confident that this initiative enforces our message that we take this crime seriously and will not turn a blind eye when offences are evident.

"Quite often people who are involved in the production and sale of counterfeit goods do not realise that the offence can carry a sentence of 10 years' imprisonment.

"I would like to thank Trading Standards and FACT for their support and also praise the four special constables who gave up their own time to make a difference within the community."

Gavin Wilders, Safer communities operations manager, said: "Medway Trading Standards is happy to work with Kent Police and FACT. Piracy is not a victimless crime. The counterfeit industry causes job losses and damage to the economy. It is often linked to organised crime and used as a money-laundering tool.

"In building safer communities, we want to stop people getting a low quality product with no redress if anything goes wrong.

"As we become more successful in removing piracy from the streets, the problem has moved into other locations. It affects all our lives and we will continue to address this issue."

Kieron Sharp, FACT Director General, added: "The public should be aware that by purchasing from such people they are putting money into the hands of criminals and are also affecting local jobs and businesses."

To report film piracy call the Piracy Hotline 0845 60 34567 or go to www.fact-uk.org.ukFor further information on community safety in Medway please visit www.medway.gov.uk/communitysafety