Hundreds of counterfeit goods worth thousands of pounds have been seized from homes and businesses by trading standards officers in Denbighshire.

During a joint operation between the local authority, North Wales Police and customs officers, a number of fake items were taken from properties in Rhyl.

The goods were seized from Rhyl properties

Designer sunglasses, clothes, illegally copied DVD's, computer software and games have been recovered during the past couple of weeks.

No arrests have been made during the inquiry.

The raids were part of an ongoing investigation throughout the county to clamp down on the fraudulent revenue.

The local authority says the sale of counterfeit goods is not unique to Denbighshire.

However, they are determined to crack down on the activity.

Legitimate traders

Council spokesman Ken Ewing said items sold illegally cause major problems in the county.

"The sale and supply of counterfeit goods is an ever growing problem and this operation, led by Denbighshire's trading standards officers, was part of the county's ongoing commitment to ensure a fair and equitable market exists locally."

Mr Ewing said legitimate traders were losing out because of the practice.

"Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime, piracy of this nature costs the industry hundreds of millions of pounds a year."

All the property seized during the operation will be kept by investigating officers.