Thursday, September 21, 2006 | 07:39
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TRADING Standards have seized counterfeit designer clothes being sold at a car boot sale in Suffolk.
It emerged the trader had been duped into buying the goods - including fake Nike trainers and Evisu jeans - by a foreign website.
Organisers of the popular car boot sale at Needham Market became concerned about the goods on sale earlier this month they contacted the trading standards department.
Within an hour officers were at the scene and seized the counterfeit items, costing the trader hundreds of pounds in lost stock. It is estimated genuine items would have a retail value of more than £1,000.
The trader was given a formal warning and Jill Korwin, assistant county trading standards officer, said: “On this occasion the trader seems to have been duped by a foreign website into believing the goods were genuine.
“Traders need to be aware that although buying over the internet may seem a cheap alternative, it sometimes has hidden dangers. It has cost this trader £600 worth of stock.
“I would like to take the opportunity to praise the organisers at Needham Market. Because they were alert to the problem our officers were able to take direct action.
“We would urge both organisers and members of the public to keep their eyes and ears open and let us know if they have concerns.”
A spokeswoman for the car boot sale, held at Needham Lake, said: “We were alerted to the fact someone may be selling counterfeit items on our site.
“We contacted trading standards who responded quickly to our concerns and dealt with the situation accordingly.
“Had we ignored the situation it could have led to us being prosecuted. We do not tolerate anyone selling counterfeit items.”
n If you are concerned that counterfeit goods are being sold at car boot sales in the county, call 0845 404 0506.
john.howard@eadt.co.uk