County council gets tough on counterfeiters
Staffordshire County Council Trading Standards Service has vowed to get tough on counterfeiters and those who sell fake and illegal products.
Fakes are poor-quality imitations and, in some cases, can be harmful to people’s health or a significant fire hazard.
Legitimate traders also suffer because of counterfeit sales, harming local economies in the process.
Profits from counterfeit goods also fund organised crime, providing criminal gangs with greater means to engage in other illegal activities that risk lives and harm communities.
Through the proceeds of criminal law, the service is now able to seize assets and money from those successfully prosecuted.
This can then be reinvested in future operations and in protecting local communities.
The warning comes ahead of the main Bank Holiday Weekend, which often sees a surge in counterfeit goods being sold at car boot sales and local markets.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Our message is simple: enough is enough.
“This council will not tolerate lawlessness in our communities or crooks that put people’s lives at risk with their cheap and dangerous knock offs.
“Selling these fakes is not a victimless crime. It pumps money into organised criminal networks. Fake toys risk the health, even the lives of your children.
“Counterfeit make-up or clothes risks the health of your loved ones. With every blow we make against these criminals, we make our communities safer.
“We are committed to protecting honest businesses and law-abiding citizens. If you break the law, we will find out. If you think you can escape the consequences, think again.”
Last year, Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service seized thousands of illegal and counterfeit goods including football shirts, designer clothes and accessories, cosmetics, alcohol and tobacco.
Councillor Screen added: "It’s up to all of us to take extra care when shopping for goods. Particularly at car boot sales and markets, where you can find bargains but also fakes.
“Be wary of very cheap prices and remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
People can report counterfeit goods sales online at Trading Standards Report It - Staffordshire County Council or call the confidential helpline on 01785 330356.
