Three men have been banned from Newcastle city centre after they were caught selling suspected fake goods.
Officers received a number of reports from members of the public who were concerned about a group of suspicious men in and around Northumberland Street, who appeared to be selling stolen items. Police officers carried out patrols on Monday and spotted two men matching the descriptions given, who then quickly fled.
Police officers chased the two men through Eldon Square and onto Blackett Street to stop them, who were questioned about their activity. A third man was stopped nearby and the trio, aged 18, 31 and 32, were all issued with dispersal notices banning them from stepping foot in the city centre for 48 hours.
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An investigation was launched and handed over to partners in Trading Standards, who will continue with the enquiries.
Sergeant Paul Lewins from Northumbria Police said: “We are thankful to the members of the public who spotted something that didn’t look right and contacted us.
"From the information we were given, we are able to trace three men who were in possession 150 bottles of aftershave, which if they’d sold on our streets, could have made them around £4000. Unlicensed traders are not welcome on our streets and we will continue to issue dispersal notices and share information with our partners in the local authority to tackle the issue.
“The incident has now been handed over to our partners in Trading Standards who will look into it further. We’d ask the public continues to raise any concerns and reports suspicious behaviour to us, and we will always act.”
To report suspicious activity to us, please use the Tell us Something page on the police's website.
