Monmouthshire Trading Standards officers struck a blow against counterfeiters yesterday (Sunday 23rd January 2011) by seizing over 3,500 illegal DVDs and CDs at Chepstow’s Sunday market.
Piled on top of each other such a hoard would extend over 50 metres high, or roughly the same height as Nelson’s Column.
Trading Standards staff visit the market on a regular basis and are always alert to sales of fake merchandise. Following a number of tip offs, officers removed goods from a single trader and will now be investigating the matter further.
Councillor Phil Murphy, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards said: “We’re very pleased with this result. Not only is counterfeiting against the law it also has other consequences. Legitimate traders lose out to this type of crime while consumers can’t guarantee quality and usually have no recourse to compensation if these goods are faulty. We are also aware that this kind of activity has been used to fund serious organised crime.”
