30/06/2005

Counterfeit goods 'undermining' retail sector, says Minister

“Don’t buy it” was the message from Security Minister Shaun Woodward as he commented on the findings of a major Government backed study into the attitudes and motivations of customers towards the buying of counterfeit goods.

The research found that the purchase of fake goods is widespread and ‘normalised’ throughout the UK and that whilst over 80% of people are aware that the sale of counterfeit products is illegal, over one third of people are prepared to turn a blind eye to this and admit to having bought fake goods.

Mr Woodward, who is also Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), said; “The sale of counterfeit and pirated goods across the UK is big business. In 2004 this illicit market ran into billions of pounds. This business is criminal and wrong. It undermines legitimate business, undermines the local economy and stifles genuine entrepreneurial spirit.

“Yet, despite this, many people are lured into becoming customers, helping criminals to make a profit. People must realise that they are funding criminal gangs, and in Northern Ireland paramilitaries, when they buy these goods. You may even be putting your life at risk. Don’t buy it.”

The OCTF commissioned the UK-wide study as part of its process of countering consumer demand for fake products by understanding what motivates people to buy them. More than 2,000 people were surveyed using a postal and web-based questionnaire as well as through nine focus groups.

Key findings from the report included:
  • 73% of respondents stated that they had seen counterfeit goods for sale.
  • 34% indicated that they had purchased counterfeit goods at one time or another.
  • 13% had bought goods thinking they were real.
  • 40% of respondents indicated that they purchased counterfeit goods because they were cheaper.
  • 21% said they purchased counterfeit goods because they were of an acceptable quality.
  • 20% of respondents thought that counterfeit alcohol, cigarettes and toys were of an acceptable standard despite being generally presented as potentially dangerous.
As well as being aware of the illegality of counterfeit goods, respondents also had a good awareness of the damage caused to the economy and businesses.

Those questioned said that campaigns showing the links between counterfeiters and local and organised crime would be effective in changing attitudes, while messages demonstrating the negative effects on local business and the impact on local jobs were perceived to be the least effective.

(MB/SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 January 2024
Counterfeit Goods Worth Estimated £130,000 Seized In Glenavy
A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the sale of suspected counterfeit goods. Over 1000 items of suspected counterfeit clothing, footwear and electrical equipment were seized during a police search operation on the Glenavy area in the early hours of Sunday, 14 January.
19 July 2024
Counterfeit Designer Clothing Seized In Dungiven
A 28-year-old man has been arrested following a search in Dungiven that uncovered counterfeit clothing, trainers, handbags and watches valued at over £500,000, representing a significant loss to the designers. The arrest was made and a substantial quantity of counterfeit goods was recovered following searches of a residential and business property.
07 February 2007
Over £200,000 of counterfeit goods seized in NI
The PSNI Crime Operations Department’s robust stance against organised criminals has helped net counterfeit goods worth over £200,000 throughout the month of January 2007. The Organised Crime Squad seized fake DVDs, CDs, computer games and cigarettes in various searches across Northern Ireland.
23 May 2003
Police uncover two counterfeit goods operations
Police have closed down two separate counterfeit goods operations one in Belfast and one located in Portadown worth over £350,000. A range of equipment worth an estimated £200,000 was uncovered by police officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit in Portadown yesterday.
11 November 2002
Counterfeit goods seized at local markets
Police have seized counterfeit goods worth an estimated £40,000 at markets over the weekend. At Nutt's Corner market on Sunday police seized counterfeit goods worth an estimated £31,000, including music CDs, computer games, videos and DVDs.