Cheap fakes confiscated in Grimsby
Thousands of pounds worth of fake goods were seized in a raid on a Grimsby home.
Thousands of pounds worth of suspected fake goods have been seized from a home in Grimsby.
Trading standards officers are now warning Christmas shoppers to be vigilant about cheap fakes.
The fake items included fake clothing, handbags, footwear and electrical items and were for sale on a Facebook page
They were discovered at an address in Grimsby as part of a national operation with the Anti-Counterfeiting Group and Humberside Police.
North East Lincolnshire Councillor Matthew Patrick said:
“It’s easy to think you’re picking up a bargain by buying a fake handbag or pair of trainers, but you’re putting money in the hands of criminals.
“Products such as hair straighteners and other electrical items can be especially dangerous – you don’t want to be giving a loved one an electric shock for Christmas.”
Trading Standards manager Neil Clark added:
“Friday’s haul included boots and handbags copied from many big name brands and had a street value of about £6,500.
“A fake pair of trainers or a shirt might seem harmless but are inferior to the genuine article.
“They are made cheaply from low quality materials and testing done by the genuine manufacturers just doesn’t happen, which for the electrical items means it’s a lottery every time you switch them on.
“There are several ways you can check if an item is genuine. Does it have the correct packaging? Will you receive a receipt? Does the seller acknowledge your right to return to item within a certain time frame?
“Anyone who has information on the sale of counterfeit goods can report it in confidence to Trading Standards.”
Anyone who suspects the authenticity of branded items being sold can report it to Trading Standards through Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
You can use the website www.brand-i.org to check the authenticity of the retailer and report unauthorised sellers.
The confiscated goods include the following suspected fake items:
Michael KORS (handbags and boots) Louis VUITTON (Bags) Mulberry (Bags and boots) Ted BAKER (Handbags) North Face (clothing) Polo (clothing) Ellesse (clothing) Stone Island (clothing) Lacoste (clothing) Adidas (clothing and footwear) Nike (footwear) GHD hair straighteners UGG (Footwear and scarf)