Fake goods warning to West Midlands shoppers
Fake clothing, mobile phone accessories and designer headphones are flooding the streets in run-up to Christmas, new figures released as part of an investigation in the West Midlands reveal.
Investigators today said they have recovered around £20 million worth of fake items throughout the year.
And they issued a stark warning to bargain hunters about the potential "deadly dangers" of buying shoddy counterfeit gifts for their loved ones.
Trading standards officers have warned shoppers in markets, boot sales and websites to beware.
They said items may be faulty, of low quality or even dangerous.
The most popular item being ripped off by criminals are Dr Dre Beats headphones, which are being sold for a fraction of their retail value of up to £300.
Also recovered have been fake Christian Louboutin shoes, designer dresses and handbags, as well as Nintendo and Xbox games.
Investigators say children are often used to front up market stalls to protect the criminal counterfeiters.
Sandwell councillor Ian Jones warned: "There is a serious risk to people's lives if they purchase electrical products that have no safety certificate."
