A haul of fake and potentially dangerous perfumes has been seized this week in a Council crackdown on street vendors.
A gang operating in Middlesbrough was caught with the collection of counterfeit scents in a joint operation by Middlesbrough Council’s Street Wardens and Trading Standards Officers.
Visitors to the town were being offered branded perfumes at knockdown prices, when wardens stepped in to investigate.
When they approached the group most ran off but one was stopped when he was seen acting suspiciously near a parked car.
Inside wardens found a box of around 30 bottles of branded perfumes and aftershaves, subsequently confirmed as fake by Middlesbrough Council Trading Standards.
Had they been genuine, the full-price retail value of the goods – an array of brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Armani and Dior - is believed to be around £3,600.
Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Protection, said: “Tests on similar counterfeit perfumes and aftershave have shown them to contain harmful chemicals including methanol, which is used in antifreeze, and even human urine.
“Such products are not safe so our advice to consumers is simply not to buy from unknown street vendors who offer branded goods at a price much lower than you would expect to pay in high street shops.”
Marion Walker, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Community Safety, said “Our brilliant Street Wardens are our eyes and ears across the town, supporting and protecting both local people and visitors.
“This is a great example of their partnership working with Trading Standards and other Council services to stamp out the sort crime and disorder that can blight whole communities.
“This should send a powerful message to anyone coming into the town to sell illegal goods or engage in anti-social behaviour that firm action will be taken to stop them committing crime or causing nuisance.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, Executive member for Public Protection, said: “Anyone who sells counterfeit goods is potentially putting people at risk as these products simply cannot be guaranteed to be safe.
“This illegal trade is also detrimental to the local economy and helps to fuel crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
Anyone concerned about the authenticity of branded products can call the Trading Standards team on 01642 728223 or email EHTS@middlesbrough.gov.uk