TRADING Standards officers at St Helens Council, with colleagues throughout the region, are still carrying out investigations following a massive haul of counterfeit goods.

Among the 57,000 items seized in the pre-Christmas period included computers, scanners, printers, and DVD and video recorders used to reproduce the fake goods. Arrests go into double figures.

The main problems were in relation to music CDs, computer games and designer clothing and perfume.

Despite well-publicised warnings, the growing trade in fake goods, the problem is escalating with links in organised crime.

The successful operation in the North West is due, in part, to the liaison and information sharing between local councils and Crimestoppers.

Says Councillor Terry Hanley, Portfolio Member for Environmental Protection: "Counterfeiting is a crime. People may think they are getting a bargain but they are buying an inferior product, which would not perform as well as the genuine product.

"Worse still is people buying goods which may well be funding organised crime such as drug dealing. Trading Standards are doing what they can to fight this menace but they need as much information as possible".

If you know of someone involved in counterfeiting you can either contact Trading Standards on St Helens 456306 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.