Cracking down on the counterfeiters

Members of the public are being encouraged to do their bit this Christmas to help Hampshire County Council stamp out the sale of counterfeit goods.

Hampshire County Council Trading Standards officers have teamed up with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Crimestoppers to target markets, car boot sales and the Internet to remove potentially unsafe goods and prosecute anyone found to be selling them .

Members of the public who suspect these items are being imported, offered for sale, touted or advertised can report the information to Crimestoppers anonymously. Hampshire County Council Trading Standards will then use the information to investigate any suspected crimes.

This new campaign has been launched to coincide with the festive season, when shoppers, hunting for the best Christmas bargains at market stalls, car boot sales or online, might be tempted to buy fakes or pick up counterfeit items by accident.

Fake goods are made from inferior materials and are often dangerous. You may think you are getting a bargain, but you could end up with more than you bargained for. Fake Vodka or Whisky may contain high levels of methanol, a chemical that can cause blindness. Counterfeit perfume can often burn skin or leave a nasty rash, and urine is often used as a stabiliser. Fake designer sunglasses may look cool, but they may not provide any UV protection, leaving the wearer at risk of eye damage. It can all add up to at best, disappointment or at worst, serious injury or even death.

Always buy from a trustworthy source and avoid internet auctions offering designer goods. They may tell you that the Tiffany necklace or Gucci handbag on offer is an unwanted present, but the seller will not return your money when you realise you have bought a fake.

Although the campaign is focussed on Christmas, the fight against counterfeit goods is a year-round priority.

Simon Theobalds, the Crimestoppers local project officer warns: “There is a darker side to counterfeit goods with increasing evidence to link the trade in fakes to organised crime, such as people trafficking and the drugs trade and even terrorism. “Scratch a counterfeit and you may well find serious organised crime printed underneath.” Anyone who suspects that they have been offered or have purchased counterfeit goods or knows of anyone dealing in fakes should call Hampshire County Council Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Alternatively, those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.