Fake Christmas haul seized

Christmas bargain hunters were warned to be on their guard today after a huge haul of suspected fake goods were seized in Newcastle.

A selection of the counterfeit items seized by Trading Standards officers

The counterfeit clothing, which included brands such as Hugo Boss, UGG, North Face, Nike and Under Armour, was seized by Newcastle Trading Standards acting on a tip-off.

They found 80 pairs of trainers, 20 pairs of boots and slippers, and 200 tracksuits/jackets at the unnamed shop in the East End.

The goods, with a street value of £10,000, were destined for the lucrative Christmas market as presents, and are now under lock and key at a secret location pending an investigation.

Cabinet member for environment and regulatory services, Cllr John-Paul Stephenson, said: "This is a significant haul of suspected illegal goods and I’d like to congratulate our officers on seizing them.

“With the economic impact of the pandemic I appreciate many families will be finding it tough this Christmas, but counterfeit goods are often linked to criminal networks, forced labour and other crimes, so it’s not the kind of thing we want to fuel the demand for.

“The goods often fall apart or fade quickly because they are poor quality, so the consumer is not getting what they paid for and just being ripped off.

"To anyone thinking of dealing in such products, let us be clear – we take matters of illegal and counterfeit goods very seriously and there is no place for them in our city.

“We care about our communities so will investigate any illegal activities and if we catch the perpetrators, we will look to put them before the courts.

“I would urge anyone with information about fake or potentially dangerous goods to contact the council.”

To report in confidence, contact 0191 2787878 or fill in the online form at www.newcastle.gov.uk/tradingstandards