Issued By Northumbria County Council

POLICE AND TRADING STANDARDS TARGET COUNTERFEITERS

NORTHUMBERLAND County Council’s Trading Standards Department, in a joint operation with Northumbria Police, have clamped down on the supply of counterfeit goods from Cramlington market.

During the operation on Wednesday 4 December a stall was found to be selling a number of items that resulted in the seizure of illegally copied music and videos. 

Over 900 items were seized which, if they were genuine, would have an estimated retail value in excess of £40,000.  Film titles seized included the new James Bond movie Die Another Day and Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, which have not yet been released on video in this country.

Mick King, County Trading Standards Officer said: “The sale of counterfeit products will not be tolerated within the boundaries of Northumberland. Proceeds from sales of counterfeit merchandise have been known to fund drugs and other illegal activities. 

“Both consumers and legitimate traders have the right to be protected from those persons who sell illegally copied material. This Department is actively visiting both markets and car boot sales throughout Northumberland in the run up to Christmas. 

“My advice to counterfeiters is to stay away.”

Further information is available from:

Nic Outterside, Press Officer, Northumberland County Council

Tel: 01670 534251

Email: noutterside@northumberland.gov.uk