Fake goods seized in Caerphilly to go to charity (From Campaign Series)

Fake goods seized in Caerphilly to go to charity

11:10am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Campaign news

THOUSANDS of items of counterfeit clothing seized in Caerphilly are being given a new lease of life through charities.

Trading standards officers in the local authority area are working with different organisations to bring some positive results from an illegal industry.

In the most recent linkup, hundreds of items of clothing and footwear have been handed over to Lincolnshire-based charity His Church.

These counterfeit clothes were-branded and will be redistributed among the homeless and vulnerable of the area.

Drugaid Wales’ Phoenix Drop-In Centre in Caerphilly was another recent recipient of a large number of rebranded items.

As well as seizing counterfeit goods and redistributing them, Caerphilly council has sought to stamp the practice out by prosecuting those responsible.

Mark Anthony Griffiths, of Penyrheol, Caerphilly, was prosecuted on January 3 this year for possession and supply of counterfeit clothing, footwear, electrical goods, DVDs and sunglasses. He was ordered to pay a £450 fine, £1,522.43 costs to the local authority and a £15 victim surcharge and forfeiture of all counterfeit goods.

Cabinet member for community and leisure services Cllr David Poole praised trading standards for “taking a strong, no-nonsense approach in seeking out counterfeiting activity”.

The Phoenix Centre in Caerphilly helps to bring about positive and sustained change for individuals and communities affected by their own and others’ drug and alcohol use.

To report any instances of counterfeit sales or other trading standards issues call 01495 235291.