'Don’t take the risk of buying fake goods'

Rochdale Borough Council’s Trading Standards officers are warning shoppers not to buy counterfeit goods for people this Christmas.

Almost 7500 items of counterfeit merchandise have been seized by the council over the past year.

59% of the fake goods recovered were DVDs. However, a wide range of other goods including, fake big-brand clothing and footwear, handbags, perfume, jewellery as well as cigarettes, tobacco and vodka have also been taken off the black market.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Counterfeit goods are alluring around this time of year but whilst they are generally cheaper than the real thing, these cheap imitations are normally of poor quality. UGG boots are proving to be the most sought after fakes this year.

“People must realise that jobs are being lost through this invidious crime. Our honest, local retailers and manufacturers must be protected.”

The council’s trading standards officers want to advise people against fake goods that are potentially dangerous, especially electrical items, such as GHD hair straighteners.

Earlier this year a 7 year old boy was killed on holiday by a counterfeit Nintendo charger, which, when examined, was far below required safety standards.

Councillor Ted Flynn, cabinet member for Community Safety at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Please don’t take the risk of buying fake goods because the cost could be far greater than you realise. Even non electrical goods could leave you out of pocket in the end because in buying fakes you’ll be losing your customer rights.”

The UK counterfeit industry is estimated to be valued at over £10 billion and illegal retailers could face up to 10 years imprisonment or hefty fines.