As Easter bank holiday weekend commences tomorrow, Staffordshire County Council says it will get tough on crime ahead of car boot sale season.

The council said that legitimate traders suffer because of counterfeit sales, whilst also pointing out that counterfeit and illegal goods are known to be harmful to people’s health.

Trading Standards officers in Staffordshire said that it will get tough on counterfeiters and those who sell fake and illegal products.

Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:

“We won’t tolerate anyone putting people’s lives at risk with cheap and dangerous fake goods. We should all take extra care when shopping for items, especially at car boot sales and markets. You can find real bargains, but there are also fakes that can be unsafe. Counterfeit products are not harmless. Fake toys can be dangerous for children. Fake make up, clothing, or electrical goods can also put your family’s health and safety at risk. Cheap electrical items, especially those with batteries, can cause fires. And the trade in fake goods often funds organised criminal gangs. You can be assured that we will take tough action against anyone caught selling illegal or counterfeit goods in our county.”

The council has also warned that profits from the trade also fund organised crime, giving criminal gangs the means to engage in other illegal activities that risk lives and harm communities.