Shoppers urged to be wary of counterfeiters this Christmas

Security Minister, and Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, Jane Kennedy, has warned people of the dangers of counterfeit goods and called for the public’s support in fighting organised crime.

Speaking in Belfast city centre yesterday, Ms Kennedy's Christmas message was: "Don’t line the pockets of organised criminals and have a counterfeit-free Christmas".

The Minister said: "These gangs trade all-year round but rely on Christmas for bumper sales. Fake goods come in many forms; CDs, videos, computer games, clothes, alcohol and toys. Counterfeiters are quick to catch onto the latest trends but these bogus products are of poor quality and can be dangerous substitutes.

“Don’t let these criminals fool you. These goods are not value for money and those who buy them end up losing out. And there is a further price to pay with some 4,000 jobs lost each year throughout the United Kingdom due to counterfeiting.”

Ms Kennedy was accompanied by David Martin, Director of Anti-Piracy at the British Phonographic Industry, who said: “Shoddy CDs, videos and DVD’s flood the markets at this time of year but these are not value for money and there is no guarantee of quality or option to get your money back."

He warned that by buying bogus goods, people were putting at risk jobs in local shops and retail outlets.

Ms Kennedy applauded the "courage and determination of police, Customs and other task force partners who have worked tirelessly with much success over the last year in the fight against organised crime."

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards officers, who can seize goods which they suspect may be fake, will be visiting premises suspected of selling counterfeit goods in the run-up to Christmas. Retailers who trade in counterfeit goods can face prosecution as well as the loss of any goods seized.

According to the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), a trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of branded products, the market for counterfeiting is estimated to be up to 10% of all world trade.

In an initiative to assist local retailers, the Trading Standards Service has established a dedicated phone-line (on 028 9025 3986) which will be open from 9am to 5pm from 2 December to 6 December 2002.

Callers can check if a particular trademark is registered and receive advice on the authenticity of the product.

After 6 December, information and advice on trademarks can be obtained by contacting Trading Standards on 028 9025 3940 or by e-mail at tss@detini.gov.uk.

According to the ACG, the overall impact of counterfeiting on the UK economy amounts to some £6.5 billion. About £3 billion of this figure is due to counterfeit clothing, perfume, watches, and luxury goods.

(SP)