Fake One Direction wristbands and Hello Kitty jewellery have been confiscated from stallholders in North East Lincolnshire. The organisers of a weekly car boot sale are the latest recruits to the Trading Standards Real Deal scheme.
It was launched two years ago to stamp out the illegal trade in counterfeit goods and to ensure businesses are fully compliant with the relevant laws.
Organisers of the car boot sale which takes place on Sundays on land next to Morrison’s supermarket on the A46 are the latest to sign up.
Fake goods are often cheap, low-quality imitations of genuine products and those who profit from them ultimately damage the business of popular brands and legitimate traders.
Trading in counterfeit goods risks a penalty of up to ten years in prison or an unlimited fine.
Other markets and car boot sales in the borough that have committed to the scheme include Cleethorpes Street Market, Grimsby Top Town Market, Grimsby Farmers’ Market, Grimsby Christmas Market and Oaklands car boot sale.
Neil Clark, from North East Lincolnshire Trading Standards, said: “Officers from the Trading Standards team carry out regular inspections of local car boot sales and markets and also investigate online sales.
“Inspections carried out already this year have unearthed fake One Direction wristbands and Hello Kitty jewellery with a combined street value of about £1,200.
“The stall owners were given advice on the offences of selling counterfeit goods and the items were surrendered to officers.
“The Trading Standards team works with all kinds of businesses helping to promote good practice, raise standards and keep abreast of the latest legislation. Contact us to find out how we can help.”
Councillor Hazel Chase, the portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “On the face of it a counterfeit DVD or T-shirt might seem like a bargain, but do you really know what you’re getting?
“Fake goods are usually shoddy copies but sometimes they can be downright dangerous.
“And when you hand over your cash you could be supporting criminal gangs who deal drugs, traffic people and other types of organised crime.
“If you’re not onboard already, I’d like to stress the importance to other markets and car boot sales to sign up.”
Information about fake goods on sale in North East Lincolnshire should be reported to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506.
Suspected fakes in North East Lincolnshire can also be reported via text message. Text ‘fakes’ followed by the information to 82055.