Counterfeit Designer Goods Donated to Charity

Published by Kevin R for Surrey County Council in Communities and also in Environment, Local Government

Surrey County Councils Trading Standards service handed over thousands of items of fake designer clothing and trainers to charity, with a market value of over £80,000.

The goods were seized from market stalls in Surrey and included Nike and Reebok trainers and designer brand clothing. These goods will have their trademarks removed and then be distributed to countries such as Belarus, Romania, and Ukraine for use at orphanages and rehabilitation centres amongst others.

Trading Standards Manager, Peter Denard, said: I am delighted that these counterfeit goods can be used by those in need rather than having to be destroyed. We will not tolerate the sale of counterfeit goods in Surrey and will continue to seize goods and prosecute traders.

Lewis Wilson, of International Aid Trust who collected the goods, added: We are most grateful for these goods that we will debrand and distribute to charities abroad. We work with children and adults in Eastern Europe and these items will be enthusiastically received.

David Harmer, Executive Member for Environment, said: It is good to see that this haul of counterfeit goods is being recycled, and used by people who need them most.

Trading Standards have seized thousands of goods from market stalls with a street value of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Goods such as Nike trainers and designer handbags as well as famous brand toys have all been seized, as well as pirated DVDS, music CDs and computer software.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

·The goods were seized from Kempton Market however seizures have taken place at other sites in the county including Epsom Derby Market, Cranleigh Market and car boot sales.
·In the period December 2006 December 2007 nearly 10,000 items were seized at markets and car boot sales across the county, with a total estimated street value of over £430k.

Image attached showing:
On left: Peter Denard, Trading Standards Manager, and Lewis Wilson of International Aid Trust