Christmas shoppers in Croydon are being warned to beware of buying counterfeit goods following the successful prosecution of a company charged with selling fake mobile phone covers in the borough.

Orion Electronics Ltd, which is based in East London pleaded guilty to three offences under the Trade Marks Act and was ordered to pay a fine of £10,500 plus £891 costs. The prosecution followed an investigation by the council's trading standards service where 700 fake mobile phone covers were seized, bearing recognised trade names such as Reebok, Nike, Adidas and Versace.

The prosecution is the latest in a series brought by Croydon trading standards tackling the problem of the sale of counterfeit goods in the run up to Christmas. The crackdown ties in with a national campaign against counterfeiting launched recently by Crimestoppers.

Councillor Maggie Mansell, cabinet member for public protection and health, said: "The outcome of this case should act as a stern warning to other companies or individuals dealing in counterfeit goods.

"At this time of year fake goods such as CDs, videos, clothes and toys flood the market. Don't take the risk, if you see someone selling so-called designer jewellery from a suitcase in the High Street at knock-down prices, chances are it is not the real thing."

If you are suspicious of any goods you have been offered ring Croydon trading standards on 020 8407 1310 or email: trading_standards@croydon.gov.uk

December 18, 2001 10:00