Trading Standards officers have swooped on a garage in Watford, seizing fake computer software.

The IT equipment was being used by the business to diagnose faults and repair vehicles and officers say the bogus software could have been a danger to the public.

However, Hertfordshire County Council has refused to name the garage after officers decided not to prosecute the owners.

A statement from County Hall said: “We have not decided to prosecute.

“We prefer at this stage to work with the businesses to improve their practices. However, should they break the law in the future we will have no hesitation in taking formal action. Meanwhile, Keith Emsall, executive member for community safety, said: "Pirate software quickly becomes out-of-date and could therefore lead to potentially dangerous repairs being made.

"Businesses should never be tempted to cut their costs by buying cheaper, fake alternatives.

“Not only is such software illegal and extremely unsafe, it is a false economy because you're likely to land yourself a hefty fine if you are caught using it."

Businesses using or selling counterfeit versions of computer software or other counterfeit goods face unlimited fines or up to ten years in prison.

Anyone concerned about companies using bogus equipment can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Hertfordshire businesses needing advice should contact Hertfordshire Trading Standards' business advice line on 01727 813849.