BOLTON is fast becoming the UK's counterfeit Crime capital with the nation's biggest source of pirated CDs, the Bolton Evening News can reveal.

music watchdogs, the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society say the town is flooded with illegally copied music, films and computer games from Kylie to Harry Potter.

In the last few weeks there have been five separate raids with thousands of pounds worth of equipment seized which was capable of producing millions of pounds worth of illegally copied products.

The seizure included a range of CDs for karaoke which cost up to £200 each sold legally, but on the black market cost between £5 and £10.

Bolton Council trading standards officers carried out under-cover raids at homes in the town centre and Astley Bridge and on two market stalls following calls to Crimestoppers.

Officers are now questioning five men, analysing computer equipment and other evidence with a view to prosecution.

The problem of counterfeit music is on the increase across the country.

And the computer revolution in homes across the town is being blamed. CD re-writers, used for copying, can now be bought for about £200. Those who sell the counterfeit items -- usually costing around £5 on the black market -- send out lists of what they have for sale through contacts and on the internet.

But Nick Kounoupias, of the MPCS, warns people's livelihoods are at stake.

He said: "Local retailers will go to the wall and hundreds of jobs will be threatened if this continues.

"We are grateful that Bolton Trading Standards and the police are clamping down on this activity in Bolton.

"Lancashire has caused us problems for a couple of years and since we focused on Preston the problem seems to have moved its centre of operations to Bolton."

The MCPS and trading standards are now warning people of the consequences of getting involved in illegal activity.

The crime carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and unlimited fines.

Trading standards officer Daryl Wilson said: "We will continue with our operations and urge anyone who has any information to contact us as soon as possible.

"We follow up all calls and tip-offs made."

Anyone with information should call Bolton Trading Standards on 01204 336586.

Town on way to becoming pirate capital