The number of counterfeit electric goods seized in the UK has increase sixfold, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
The Guardian report:
The UK has seen a sixfold increase in the number of counterfeit and potentially dangerous electrical goods seized in the past four years – fuelled by demand for “branded” designer headphones and gadgets such as hair straighteners.
Figures obtained by the Co-op from local councils and Border Force – the organisation charged with patrolling the UK’s borders – show that the value of counterfeit electrical goods seized has risen from £2.6m in 2009 to £15.7m in 2012.
During the same period budgets for trading standards – council departments responsible for identifying and prosecuting counterfeit sellers on a regional level – have been cut by 17.5% from £85m to just under £70m as part of a drive to cut costs.