Fake goods cost local economy thousands, say Trading Standards
The damage to the West Sussex economy from selling counterfeit goods is being highlighted by the County’s Trading Standards Service.
Following a consumer complaint, Trading Standards officers seized more than 700 counterfeit copies of well-known blockbuster movies in a raid at a boot sale in Sayers Common, Hassocks. The fake DVDs and Blu-ray discs were selling at £5 for two.
“At normal high street prices the goods seized represent an estimated loss of £10,500 to the local legitimate business community,” said Graeme MacPherson, Head of Trading Standards. “Or to put it another way, every £1 given to a criminal counterfeiter represented £6 being taken away from businesses and the local economy.
“This is not good news at a time when many local businesses are feeling the effect of the current economic pressures.”
Peter Evans, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Counterfeiters make large amounts of money by exploiting the reputation and trademarks of established brands. It could ultimately lead to local, legitimate businesses closing.
“Our Trading Standards Service has a commitment to protect proper businesses in West Sussex from the activities of counterfeiters.”
Currently most complaints from members of the public about counterfeit goods relate to fashion footwear or hair straighteners, bought over the internet.
If you have any suspicions about counterfeit goods being traded in West Sussex you can report the information anonymously at www.westsussex.gov.uk, and click on ‘Anonymous reporting of trade in counterfeit goods’ under the ‘Business’ section. This can be found on the left of the County Council homepage.
