More than a thousand conterfeit and faulty items were seized from dodgy traders in a major trading standards operation.

The two-day crackdown, called Operation Clean Sweep, was carried out by police and Sutton Council trading standards officers in Sutton High Street.

More than 1,200 items were seized, including faulty mobile phone chargers and fake accessories said to be from the likes of Apple, BlackBerry, Ed Hardy, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

A supply of shisa - the tobacco smoked in hookah pipes - was also confiscated after it emerged import duty had not been paid on it.

A total of seven shops and 17 market stalls were targeted during the operation last week, which involved 10 police officers and eight staff from the council’s business development and regulation service.

Councillor Simon Wales, Sutton’s executive member for communities, said: "We are determined to make Sutton a fake free area and a place where people can shop and visit without being ripped off.

“Some of the phone chargers we seized were potentially dangerous and could have overheated and caused a fire, while the fake goods were of very dubious quality and breached a series of trademarks.”

Town centre sergeant Simon Alexander said: "We want this operation to send out a strong message that counterfeit or faulty goods will not be tolerated in Sutton.”

Reports are now being prepared and cautions or criminal charges could follow.

The maximum penalty for trademark offences is 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

The operation also aimed to ensure that the market traders comply with the conditions of their Street Trading Licences.

Coun Wales added: “The market is one of Sutton’s prized assets and the vast majority of traders have been working here successfully and within the law for many years.

"But by clamping down on the minority of dodgy traders, our residents can shop knowing the goods are safe and genuine.

"The operation also sends out a timely reminder to shoppers to be careful what they buy.

"We do not want them to be caught out by sellers of unsafe and shoddy goods."

If you suspect you have been sold counterfeit goods or believe fake items are being sold contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.