£15,000 worth of fake Paddington Bear merch seized in West London

Nearly £15,000 worth of fake Paddington Bear merchandise has been seized by trading standards after a raid in West London.

Kensington and Chelsea Council’s trading standards officers have seized nearly 2,000 fake Paddington Bear goods in the very street where scenes from the Paddington film franchise were filmed on Portobello Road, as well as in Earls Court Road.

Counterfeit items included tote bags, magnets, shot glasses, thimbles and t-shirts were found, after the raid on Wednesday 6 November.

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It comes as Paddington In Peru, is being released in the UK today (8 November) and follows the bear as he journeys to Peru, returning to visit Aunt Lucy, who lives at the Home for Retired Bears.

Trading standards worked together with trademark representatives from Surelock, who previously identified shops selling fake merchandise and joined Kensington and Chelsea Council officers on a series of planned operations in the borough.

Officers visited shops in Portobello Road and seized tote bags, magnets and t-shirts with tote bags alone being sold for £10 per bag. Further counterfeit goods were seized by officers in Earl’s Court Road that included 174 magnets, 138 tote bags, 69 shot glasses, 19 packs of playing cards, 11 thimbles and 9 spoon rests.

Fake items sold as authentic are of inferior quality which could not only harm legitimate manufacturers but also deceive members of the public into getting a bargain.

The counterfeit goods confiscated by trading standards will be destroyed and business owners will face formal action.

Cllr Cem Kemahli, lead member for planning and public realm said: "Ahead of the release of the new Paddington Bear movie, there’s been a sharp rise in illegal sales of fake goods that trick movie fans into buying unsafe, cheap quality products.

"Portobello Road is known for its markets, shops and vibrant atmosphere and our trading standards team are "bearing down" and taking swift action against sellers who are undermining legitimate businesses in our borough.

“Partnership working with trademark representatives has resulted in an operation seizing nearly 2,000 fake goods and sends out a clear message to unscrupulous businesses that we will come after you.”

How to spot a fake:

• Check the quality, inferior products will use cheaper materials of poorer quality

• Check for spelling mistakes, genuine items will be produced by reputable firms with proofreaders!

• Check the product or reference numbers on the label such as holographic stickers, unique serial numbers or QR codes.

• Check for recognized logos and trademarks

If are a victim of fraud or crime and want to report it, please contact the trading.standards@rbkc.gov.uk

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