POLICE in Strabane this week issued a stark warning to rogue traders operating in the town, following the seizure of thousands of pounds worth of goods at the weekend.
More than £15,000 of counterfeit rally jackets, fleeces and DVD's were taken during a police search of a house at Summerhill Court on Friday evening. No one has been arrested, however investigations are ongoing.
Speaking to the Strabane Chronicle on Tuesday, Constable Daryl Watton urged anyone purchasing the fake goods to consider what sort of criminal activity their money is being used to fund further down the line.
"On this occasion, we lifted rally jackets branded with the Subaru, Ford, Toyota, Scania and Ferrari logos. We also lifted items with the Nike and Fred Perry logo on them as well as DVD's which have barely reached the cinema yet.
"Our next step will be to transport the gear to a crime unit in Belfast where a clothing industry expert will examine it and tell us whether it is fake or stolen. If it turns out to be counterfeit, representatives from the various companies will have a look and press charges for a breach of trade mark. The person behind the sale of the goods will then be questioned and almost certainly face prosecution," Mr Watton explained.
With regard to anyone considering purchasing fake goods in the run up to Christmas, he said: "What I would simply say is don't be tempted to buy any of this rubbish. The DVD's are usually of a poor quality and could well do lasting damage to your DVD player. The clothing, while it may look the part to the naked eye, is normally badly stitched and made from sub-standard fabrics. You may think you are getting a bargain, but I can assure you, you are not.
"I would also ask the public to consider firstly who is losing out as a result of the fake goods industry. It is the independent trader who plays by the rules who is suffering. Secondly, think about where your money is going, because there is absolutely no doubt that further down the line, the proceeds from this illegal activity are being used to fund bigger crimes, most likely the drugs industry," he said.
Warning those involved in selling illegal goods, Mr Watton added: "To those behind the counterfeit trade locally, I would say you will be caught. We have teams of investigators working on this all the time and we have officers patrolling the local market every Friday.
"Earlier this year we seized tens of thousands pounds worth of fake goods from Strabane market and two prosecutions resulted.
"We will be out again this week and I can assure anyone involved in selling illegal goods, be it fireworks, cigarettes or clothes, we will get you."
