South Ayrshire Council - News

TWO STRIKES ON FAKES

In two separate operations South Ayrshire Trading Standards seized a large quantity of counterfeit goods. The first seizure was the result of a joint operation between Trading Standards and Ayr Police where a large quantity of fake clothing was seized from a stall at Ayr Sunday Market.

The market had been inspected in the morning and no problems found. However, when the officers returned later in the day they found a stall manned by two men from the Glasgow area that had a large amount of clothing on it. On closer inspection the Officers found what they suspected to be a quantity of counterfeit clothing, which included brand names such as Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fred Perry, Henri Lloyd, Lacoste and Playboy. In total over two hundred items of clothing were being offered for sale to the general public and were on open display within the stall mixed with other non-branded garments.

The suspected infringing items were removed and are subject to examination by brand protection representatives of the companies’ involved. The value of the genuine items is estimated at around £11,000, which is a considerable loss to the local retail trade.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Trading Standards said, “Shoppers should be aware that although these items seem a bargain at the time, they will not wash well and would most likely fade, lose shape very quickly and will need to be replaced negating the bargain element. Counterfeit clothes may often be identified as they do not have any care label, the quality of the print is poor or peels off and the overall quality of the garments is substandard. Another giveaway is the price. If a top costs £60 in the High Street and is being sold at the market for £15, then it may be fake and members of the public would be well advised to stay clear. Genuine items, especially designer names are not usually sold at market stalls for a fraction of the going price.”

In a separate operation, Trading Standards seized over 100 DVD’s from a man who was seen selling to members of the public in Ayr Newton Trading Estate. The haul came as a result of a tip off received from the public responding to the Trading Standards awareness campaign on the sale of counterfeit goods.
The man who had also been caught two weeks previously was selling the DVD ’s for £5 each. The haul included a number of pornographic titles, which had scenes of explicit sexual nature on the cover and were being openly offered to the public. All DVD’s were seized along with a sum of money.
Both matters are subject to formal action and reports to the Procurator Fiscal are being considered.

Commenting on the findings, South Ayrshire Council’s Community Safety Convener, Councillor Hugh Hunter said, “South Ayrshire prides itself on being an area that has a thriving economy with quality retail outlets. Illegal activities like counterfeiting seriously impact on legitimate traders who pay taxes and create employment locally. Counterfeiting will not be tolerated in South Ayrshire and it is encouraging to see that we are having an impact on this type of crime. ”

Councillor Hugh Hunter added, ”The public has a major role to play in eliminating this illegal trade and we would welcome any information that the public may have with regards to fake goods. If anyone has concerns about the sale of counterfeit goods or feels that they have been misled in the purchase of any goods, I would urge them to contact our Advice Centre for advice and assistance. You can also call in strict confidence on 01292 616060 or visit the office at 5/7 River Terrace, Ayr."

Counterfeit Clothes

June 2006