Counterfeit condom packs found

The fake condoms were found in packs of three

Counterfeit condoms that may not prevent pregnancies or protect against sexually transmitted diseases have been seized in nine areas of London.

Originally found in Hackney, the fake Durex packs have now turned up in Islington, Lambeth, Croydon, Camden, Brent, Harrow, Haringey and Richmond.

Hackney Council was alerted to the scam by a man who reported condoms he had bought being "not quite right".

People are advised to check the batch numbers on packets of three condoms.

The council said the batch numbers of the packs had not been used by Durex for two years.

Corner shops

They were being sold in corner shops and newsagents and it is feared that as many as 2,000 packets could be circulating in London.

Martyn Ward, Managing Director of Durex said: "As an international company with a high quality brand, Durex, like many other global businesses, is targeted by counterfeiters.

Counterfeit batch numbers Extra safe - 20604354 Arouser - 20906043 Ribbed - 20905271/ 20904142/ 2991118 Performa - TGL4142 Gossamer - 21405074 Select - P4379 Fetherlite - 21405074

"We take incidents like this very seriously indeed and adopt a proactive and robust approach towards combating counterfeiters anywhere in the world. We are currently investigating these issues further."

Robert Gardner of London Trading Standards Authorities said "This is yet another example of a criminal attempt to counterfeit a household brand that has been discovered by trading standards.

"It is astonishing that independent shopkeepers will buy this type of merchandise from street hawkers and put it on their shelves for sale and eventual profit, without a thought for the possible repercussions.

"Trading standards will continue to remove these counterfeits from sale and take legal action against those found to be selling them.

But, as we cannot be everywhere at once, the public must remain on their guard and be sure that they only buy condoms from reputable sources."

Trading Standards can be reached via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.