Issued By West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service

CLAMPDOWN ON COUNTERFEITS AT CAR BOOT SALE

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service, in a joint operation with the West Yorkshire Police and representatives from the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), have clamped-down on the supply of counterfeit goods from a car boot sale adjacent to Leeds/Bradford airport. The raid was undertaken following complaints from both local consumers and legitimate traders.

During the operation on Sunday 15^th September, officers targeted seven stalls at the event, resulting in three arrests and a massive seizure of illegally copied music, computer software, videos and DVDs.  In addition, a large amount of obscene, pornographic material was recovered from the site.  Almost 6000 counterfeit items were seized, with an estimated street value in excess of £165,000, including film titles such as “The Bourne Identity”, “My Fat Greek Wedding” and “Spy Kids 2”.

Martin Wood, West Yorkshire’s Chief Trading Standards Officer, said, “This operation has been a huge success. Consumers and legitimate traders have a right to be protected from those that shamelessly flout the law by selling illegally copied merchandise.  I am particularly disturbed in this instance that pornographic material was on display for all to see, including youngsters. I would like to send a message to all those involved in such activities that West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service takes a very serious view of this and will not hesitate to take action against those who offend, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Councillor Graham Clarke, Chair of West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, said, “I welcome joint operations such as this, which play a significant part in protecting our local community and businesses.  People often forget that counterfeiters deprive legitimate businesses of trade and jeopardise local employment.  Counterfeit goods are of inferior quality and can be dangerous to use.”  

Richard Armstrong of FACT said, “The Federation is delighted with the level of seizures made in this joint operation and would remind bootleggers that they are not free to carry on their business at such venues and are not immune from prosecution.”

For further information please contact:

Dennis Ager, Trading Standards Officer, tel: 0113 289 8220

Linda Davis, Senior Enforcement Officer, tel: 0113 2898246

Graham Hebblethwaite, Divisional Manager and General Media Contact, tel: 0113 289 8218

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