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Fake bags seized from market trader
MORE than 100 fake designer handbags and purses have been seized during a trading standards raid at South Shields Market Place.
Officers from South Tyneside Council's trading standards department, backed by police, swooped on two stalls yesterday morning.
The traders, working at separate sites within the market, are alleged to have been selling counterfeit handbags and purses, including copies of brands such as Gucci and Chanel.
Searching through the items offered for sale, the trading standards team began separating the legitimate items and the counterfeit goods.
Potential customers, unaware as to what was happening, were informed the stalls were closed as they tried to hunt for a bargain.
The stall-holders, who are not known to each other, were then told the goods would be seized, before officers began bagging up the items.
The traders' vehicles were also searched by officials.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Neil Harvey added: "The police always welcome the opportunity to work with our partners to target those we suspect of breaking the law.
"We know counterfeit goods often supports criminal activity and by cracking down on those who sell these types of goods, we can, and do, make an impact on crime and disorder."
Lead member for innovation and safer stronger communities, Coun Joanne Bell said: "We are aware in the current economic climate some businesses will try to exploit consumers by passing off goods that are illegal copies.
"We have worked hard to get the anti- counterfeiting message across to both business and consumers and the impact it can have on the local economy.
"Many people perceive this as a victimless crime and fail to recognise the other criminal activity that this type of sale funds.
"We are proud of South Shields Market and see it as a vital part of the local business community.
"Our market manager is pro-active in ensuring counterfeit goods are not traded on the market, and will continue to work closely with our trading standards service to stamp out this activity."
After the raids, trading standards officers set up their own stall giving away their DVD Snidey Sidney, aimed at raising awareness of the cost of counterfeiting.
Anyone with information on counterfeit goods should contact trading standards confidentially by contacting 0800 093 5878.
* No one has been arrested, though investigations by trading standards officers under the Tradesmark Act 1994, are continuing.
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Weather for South Shields
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
