A new initiative is launched to crack down on criminals using self storage facilities fraudulently.
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO), National Trading Standards, London Trading Standards and the Self Storage Association UK (SSAUK), have teamed up to launch a new code of practice. The initiative’s aim is to reduce the appeal of self storage facilities to criminals who deal in counterfeit and other illicit goods.
‘The Tick Box: Keep it Real Keep it Legal’ code of practice sets out a few simple procedures. The aim is to prevent the fraudulent storage of counterfeit and other illicit or unsafe goods. It also helps self storage facility owners be sure of who is really using their premises. Counterfeit goods are often seized in self storage facilities, or on their way to them. This scheme helps self storage facilities to identify the individuals behind the crimes. It also helps enforcement authorities recover the goods before they enter the marketplace.
The scheme is already yielding results. Targeted enforcement action has disrupted criminal networks. This has resulted in the seizure of thousands of counterfeit items. These are estimated to be worth millions of pounds to criminals.
More information and comments from: IPO CEO, Tim Moss; SSA UK CEO, Rennie Schafer; and Lord Toby Harris, Chair, National Trading Standards. www.gov.uk/government/news/cracking-down-on-criminals-who-target-self-storage-industry
References: Intellectual Property Office (IPO), National Trading Standards (NTS), London Trading Standards (LTS) and the Self Storage Association UK (SSAUK), Tick Box Code of Practice, counterfeit goods, illicit goods, unsafe goods.