MARKET organisers and businesses in North East Lincolnshire have signed up to the Real Deal campaign, helping to protect shoppers against fake goods.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s trading standard team has been backing the campaign, demonstrating its commitment making markets safe and fair.

Markets and car boot sales are not uniformly regulated nationally and therefore can offer opportunities for illegal traders, particularly in counterfeit and pirated goods.

Previously the council policed illegal trade through its Fake Free Zone initiative. Last year, the council’s officers carried out more than 100 investigations relating to copyright materials and counterfeit goods.

In signing up to the Real Deal campaign, the council will benefit through working together with other local authorities, market operators, traders, industry groups, and copyright and trademark owners – all of whom are united with a common commitment to tackling the problem of fakes.

Councillor David Bolton, the council’s portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, said: “It is great news to see local markets and businesses supporting the Real Deal campaign. By working together, the council, local traders and the public can help stamp out trade in fake goods. These cheap imitations are always of inferior quality; trade in them damages legitimate companies and the goods themselves can be dangerous.”
The Real Deal scheme has gained support from many major organisations, including Crimestoppers, Consumer Direct, and several big business names, such as Manchester United FC, Adidas, GHD hair products and BPI (British Recorded Music Industry).
Information about fake goods on sale in North East Lincolnshire should be reported to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Suspected fakes in North East Lincolnshire can also be reported via text message – simply text the word “fakes”, followed by your information, to 82055.