Minister urges support for legitimate retailers over Christmas

Security Minister and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Ian Pearson today urged Northern Ireland consumers to support legitimate retailers in the run up to Christmas.

Mr Pearson was speaking at the launch of the OCTF anti-counterfeit Christmas message in The Diamond Shopping Centre, Coleraine, where he was joined by the Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Robert McPherson and the President of Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chris McLean.

Mr Pearson said: “Despite the overwhelming desire of the people of Northern Ireland for a normal and peaceful society, legitimate business is still being undermined by a criminal underworld intent on flooding the market with illicit and fake goods.

“When you are doing your Christmas shopping this year, think about what you are buying and where you are buying it from. Be it clothes, music, videos or indeed alcohol; ensure that you are buying it from a legitimate source. When you buy fake goods organised crime gangs, the vast majority of whom in Northern Ireland are linked to paramilitary organisations, are benefiting from your purchases and legitimate traders are suffering as a result.”

The Minister said that he was delighted to be joined by Councillor McPherson and Mr McLean at the launch and said that the local Chamber of Commerce knew only too well how counterfeit and pirated goods adversely affect retail sales, while it was the task of the Borough’s Environmental Health Officers to deal with complaints about sub-standard counterfeit goods which have not been subjected to rigorous safety checks.

“I am glad of the opportunity to reassure both them and their colleagues that the Government is determined to combat organised crime, however and wherever it manifests itself here,” Mr Pearson concluded.

(MB)