Council seizes £1m of fake goods

The council says fake goods are usually poor value

Trading standards officers in Somerset have seized more than £1m worth of counterfeit goods in five years, including "perfume" laced with urine.

The total was reached during recent raids on holiday markets across the county, said a spokesman.

Andy Fowler of Somerset County Council, added: "We have a serious problem. Markets and boot sales attract a criminal element.

"Fake goods usually represent poor value and may even be dangerous."

He said officials had found fake spirits that were toxic.

'Picture wobbles'

"Some of the films on sale are a joke. The labels look genuine but when you get home you discover the DVD or video has been shot on a hand-held camera from the back of a cinema.

"The sound is appalling, the picture wobbles and in the foreground you can see the backs of the heads of the people sitting in the row in front," he said.

Howard Burnett of the council added: "I can understand that people want a bargain.

"I can understand wanting a DVD before it's available in the shops, but people must realise that when buying this stuff they are probably aiding serious crime."