Published: April 28, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea car boot sale under watch by Trading Standards

Trading standards bosses are keeping a "close eye" on a Burnham-On-Sea car boot sale after claims that hundreds of counterfeit CDs and DVDs have been on sale there during recent weeks.

One visitor to the weekly sale - located very close to Burnham - took this photo of one busy stall where it is alleged counterfeit products have been offered at knock-down prices.

Howard Burnett, Somerset County Council's Trading Standards Manager, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Anyone caught displaying or selling suspected counterfeit goods at the county's many car boot sales and markets faces arrest and having all the money they have made from these goods confiscated, as well as gaining a criminal record."

He added: "Deals that seem too good to be true usually are. Anyone who spots suspected counterfeit goods for sale should call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06."

Last year, Trading Standards Officers seized over £250,000 of counterfeit goods across Somerset.

Somerset County Council Trading Standards Officers regularly visit car boot sales and markets across the county to try and deter buyers and sellers from trading in the area.

The Government recently introduced new legislation which, as of 6th April, gives new powers under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act to Trading Standards Officers and other enforcement agencies to make test purchases, enter premises and then inspect and seize goods and documents.