Nearly 2,000 fake Paddington Bear items seized in trading standards raids

A haul of counterfeit Paddington Bear merchandise worth over £15,000 has been confiscated in London as part of a crackdown on fake goods.

Nearly 2,000 items were seized from shops in Notting Hill, where scenes from the Paddington Bear films were shot. A trading standards raid on Portobello Road uncovered 1,500 counterfeit items, including tote bags being sold for £10 each.

A further 400 fake items, including magnets, tote bags, shot glasses, and playing cards, were seized from five shops on Earl's Court Road. The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea reported a surge in illegal sales of counterfeit merchandise ahead of the release of the new Paddington film, Paddington In Peru.

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Coun Cem Kemahli stated: "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 trade mark 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."

The council's trading standards team collaborated with trademark representatives from Surelock, who had previously identified shops selling counterfeit goods and accompanied the council on the raids. The seized fake items will be destroyed and the shop owners will face legal action, according to the council. Paddington In Peru features a star-studded cast including Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas and Ben Whishaw providing the voice of Paddington.