UK- A RECORD number of pornographic DVDs and videos have been seized from unlicensed sex shops in Soho.

In the past 12 months, Westminister City Council licensing officers confiscated more than 27,000 pornographic movies valued at about £600,000.

The council said much of the material seized was banned under the Obscene Publications Act and included acts of “non-consensual violence”.

Westminster’s Licensing Team Leader Peter Cradock said his officers were often left “shocked” when they had to watch the blue movies.

It’s believed the industry is linked to organised crime who use front companies to hide their identity.

There are now 14 unlicensed sex shops in Soho, compared to 52 five years ago and the council said it was determined to shut down those that remained. Last year four were closed and no new ones were opened.

Westminster City Council prosecuted 82 people as a result of the raids in the past year.

Councillor Audrey Lewis said: “These unlicensed premises are a blight on Soho, which it should be remembered, is also a residential community.

“We believe the sale and distribution of this material is linked to organised crime so anything that prevents these people making money has to be a good thing.

“Our officers are determined to shut down the remaining premises and prevent them selling this unsavoury material. If anyone thinks what has been seized is harmless I can assure them that it is most definitely not.”