The Trading Standards Department began inspections after receiving an anonymous tip indicating hardcore adult DVDs and products were being sold in convenience stores, gas stations, newsstands and other locations. By law, material of this nature may only be supplied by a licensed sex shop.
Ten retailers so far have been caught and one arrest was made after 19 boxes of DVDs were recovered from a van. The offense can lead to up to two years in prison.
Officials expect to conduct between 50 and 60 inspections.
Peter Wannell, owner of Exchange Bookshop in Gorse Hill, said he is not surprised by the vast amount of seized pornography.
“This is nothing new,” Wannell said. “It has been going on for 20 years. Because Swindon has no licenses to sell this material, it is being forced underground.”
Wannell said he was denied a license to sell adult material in Swindon last year.
Swindon Council cabinet member David Wren said the main reason for the crackdown is to prevent exposure of hardcore porn to children.
“Children should not be exposed to them,” Wren said. “Especially not while on a trip to the local corner store.”
