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)