29/11/2002

Shoppers urged to be wary of counterfeiters this Christmas

Security Minister, and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, Jane Kennedy, has warned people of the dangers of counterfeit goods and called for the public’s support in fighting organised crime.

Speaking in Belfast city centre yesterday, Ms Kennedy's Christmas message was: "Don’t line the pockets of organised criminals and have a counterfeit-free Christmas".

The Minister said: "These gangs trade all-year round but rely on Christmas for bumper sales. Fake goods come in many forms; CDs, videos, computer games, clothes, alcohol and toys. Counterfeiters are quick to catch onto the latest trends but these bogus products are of poor quality and can be dangerous substitutes.

“Don’t let these criminals fool you. These goods are not value for money and those who buy them end up losing out. And there is a further price to pay with some 4,000 jobs lost each year throughout the United Kingdom due to counterfeiting.”

Ms Kennedy was accompanied by David Martin, Director of Anti-Piracy at the British Phonographic Industry, who said: “Shoddy CDs, videos and DVD’s flood the markets at this time of year but these are not value for money and there is no guarantee of quality or option to get your money back."

He warned that by buying bogus goods, people were putting at risk jobs in local shops and retail outlets.

Ms Kennedy applauded the "courage and determination of police, Customs and other task force partners who have worked tirelessly with much success over the last year in the fight against organised crime."

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards officers, who can seize goods which they suspect may be fake, will be visiting premises suspected of selling counterfeit goods in the run-up to Christmas. Retailers who trade in counterfeit goods can face prosecution as well as the loss of any goods seized.

According to the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), a trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of branded products, the market for counterfeiting is estimated to be up to 10% of all world trade.

In an initiative to assist local retailers, the Trading Standards Service has established a dedicated phone-line (on 028 9025 3986) which will be open from 9am to 5pm from 2 December to 6 December 2002.

Callers can check if a particular trademark is registered and receive advice on the authenticity of the product.

After 6 December, information and advice on trademarks can be obtained by contacting Trading Standards on 028 9025 3940 or by e-mail at tss@detini.gov.uk.

According to the ACG, the overall impact of counterfeiting on the UK economy amounts to some £6.5 billion. About £3 billion of this figure is due to counterfeit clothing, perfume, watches, and luxury goods.

(SP)

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

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.
25 July 2024
DfI Proposes New Emissions Test For Diesels
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is consulting on an alternative exhaust emissions test for modern diesel cars and light goods vehicles as part of changes to the annual MOT test.
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.
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.