Hull Christmas shoppers warned over fake goods
Hundreds of counterfeit goods have been put on show in a Hull shop in a bid to highlight the dangers of shoppers buying fake items as Christmas gifts.
The "pop-up" shop, opened by Hull City Council, includes counterfeit items such as toys and electrical goods.
All the items in the shop at the St Stephen's Centre were confiscated by Hull trading standards officers.
The council said the aim was to help people understand their consumer rights and avoid falling prey to rip-offs.
Trading standards officers in the temporary shop will advise customers about the dangers of fake branded goods and how to shop safely on the high street and on the internet.
Councillor John Hewitt said shoppers should be aware that stores selling counterfeit goods were often set up as Christmas approaches.
"For legitimate, law-abiding businesses, it's galling to see these conmen making money by offering shoddy, fake and often unsafe goods, as well as avoiding paying taxes," he said.
"It damages honest businesses which are already suffering in the current climate."
Mr Hewitt said the council urged shoppers to only buy from traders they knew and trusted and to report any counterfeit goods they saw for sale in shops or online.