Jim Ferguson – Chair Crimestoppers H&I, Supt Ian Arnott and Gordon Robb – Manager of Trading Standards

With Christmas approaching and the effects of the last recession still hitting hard, there is often a greater temptation to buy fake goods, however few understand the consequences and serious implications behind counterfeiting.

In a recent survey conducted by Scotland Crimestoppers thirty per cent of people questioned said they didn’t know that buying fake goods might fund serious organised crime. Ninety one per cent said they wouldn’t buy a fake good if they knew it would fund criminals or criminal activity. Eighteen per cent of those questioned admitted that they had bought fake goods in the past.

Jim Ferguson, Scotland Crimestoppers Highlands and Island Chairman said: “Christmas is a time when many are trying to find ways to reduce costs. I would urge the public not to be tempted to buy often cheaper fake goods. The consequences are far wider than the simple transaction. It can fund serious crimes such as human trafficking and drug crime which can harm our community.

Anyone with information about counterfeiting should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the online anonymous form on www.crimestoppers-uk.org. With the publics help we can make big steps in cracking down on this type of crime across Scotland.”

The campaign is being run with the support of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), Home Office, Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), the Bank of England, Film Distributors Association (FDA) and Pentland.

A dedicated mircrosite – www.fakesfundcrime.org.uk has been produced which has information on each strand of the campaign and information about the serious organised crime links, harmful affects, fraudulent activity and videos.

Kate Johnston, Scotland Crimestoppers National Manager added:
“We are also being supported by the SCDEA on this campaign. I hope that it will be as successful as the Cannabis Cultivations campaign earlier this year which was also with the support of SCDEA. The success of this resulted in 141 people calling the charity in a four week period with information about cannabis cultivations which led to numerous arrest and seizures.”

Supt Ian Arnott, Northern Constabulary’s East Divisional Commander based in Inverness said:
“We are grateful for the support of Crimestoppers in highlighting this issue. Just because the Highlands and Islands have a low rate of crime it does not mean we can be complacent to the possibility of counterfeit goods coming into this area.

The people who sell fake goods are often linked to other types of crime such as the supply of illegal drugs which blight our communities. I would urge anyone with information about people selling fake goods to pass this on to Crimestoppers so we can take action.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ronnie Megaughin, head of Interventions, SCDEA said:
“The significant profits that are generated by counterfeiting benefit no-one other than the criminals behind it. Those who are involved in producing and selling fake goods are very often also responsible for pushing drugs in our communities, forcing people into the sex trade and cultivating cannabis in our neighbourhoods, not to mention the fear intimidation and violence associated with this criminality.

The public have a vital role to play in assisting the authorities in clamping down on these rogue traders. They can refuse to buy these illegal and often unsafe products, and they can anonymously share what they know about the people involved in this crime by contacting Crimestoppers. Even the smallest piece of information can be
the key to unlocking a much larger criminal network.”

Liz Gilchrist Vice Chair of Inverness Crime Prevention Panel added “We as a panel, are very happy to support this initiative.  It is good to see all of the prime agencies working together in an effort to stamp out this growing problem”

Dougie McClounie of SCDEA displaying  an example of some Counterfeit Goods

Fakes fund crime

Counterfeiters make many different types of fakes. One thing these producers have in common is that they are all criminals.

Organised gangs are increasingly pursuing several different criminal activities at the same time and using the proceeds from each form of crime to invest in the others.

Producing fakes is a crime in itself, but counterfeiting is also sometimes linked to other types of crime including:

• Human trafficking
• Gun and weapon possession
• Drugs
• Money laundering
• Benefit fraud

It was estimated in 2007 that around 70% of the £1.3  billion made from intellectual property crime flowed back to organised crime.

If you buy fakes, the money you spend on them is likely to benefit criminal gangs and could damage the neighbourhood you live in.

More about the crimes linked to fake DVDs, fashion and tobacco.

Help fight fakes

You can help fight fakes by calling charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Tell us who is dealing in fakes. We won’t take your name or ask who you are. We only want to know what you know, not who you are. You can also pass on information anonymously online using our secure online form.

Fake goods harm you

Counterfeiters don’t limit themselves to fake designer handbags and clothing. Electrical products, power tools, food, toys and sports equipment are also faked with potentially dangerous consequences for you as a consumer.

Fake goods are both imported and made here in the UK. Domestic production often takes place in rented office buildings that have been converted into makeshift ‘factories’. The conditions in these factories are often unsafe and unhygienic – this makes the production of fakes dangerous for not only workers but also the end user.

Fake alcohol

Fake alcohol can contain methanol, a chemical that can cause blindness, coma and death. Counterfeit bottles of alcohol often imitate well known brands in an attempt to reassure people that the product is safe.

In May 2009 2,700 bottles of counterfeit vodka were seized from a business park in Haringey, London. There was evidence that large quantities of antifreeze had been used in its manufacture.

Fake beauty products

Fake beauty products often contain sub-standard ingredients that could give you a rash or an allergic reaction. Some bottles of fake perfume have even been found to use ingredients like urine as a stabiliser.

Look out for products sold in packaging featuring spelling or grammatical mistakes. Always buy your beauty products from a trusted source to help keep you safe from fakes.

Fake electronics

Electrical goods sold in the UK are subject to stringent safety testing. Counterfeit electrical goods often sidestep these testing requirements. This means fake electrical goods, including hair straighteners, mobile phones and camera chargers, may contain unsafe wiring that can lead to over-heating, creating risks of fire, electrocution and personal injury. Fake electrical goods may even be labelled with fake certification marks, so you think that they are safe.

Fake toys

Children’s toys are subject to strict safety testing. Counterfeit toys often will not have been tested. As a result fakes could contain small parts that are a choking hazard.

Buying fake goods online puts you at risk of fraud and identity theft.

Crimestoppers Counterfitting

Fake goods – you’re at risk

Fashion merchandise, DVDs and electrical goods are just some of the types of fakes often purchased online. The people who buy these goods are often unsuspecting and think they are getting a genuine product.

Identity theft and credit card fraud

Entering your debit or credit card details into a website that deals in fakes means that you are essentially giving your card details, your address and your name to criminals.

To ensure your card details remain safe, make sure that you only buy goods online from authorised retailers. Getting a pair of shoes for half price may seem like a quick bargain but now that you know that you’re putting your bank card at risk you’ve got to ask – “Is it really worth it?”

Know your rights

If you buy online from businesses registered in the UK you are legally entitled to return any goods bought within seven days (even if you just change your mind). You are also entitled to return the goods if they are faulty.

If you buy an item and realise it’s a fake, getting a refund can be difficult. Often fakes are sold through websites based outside UK; these websites aren’t subject to the same laws as sites based here.

Shopping online

If you are going to shop online:

• 
  Buying from companies registered in the UK can help keep you safe as you’ll have more legal rights.
• Try and buy from a brand’s official website or from an authorised seller of the product.
• ‘https’ on the web site address means the site is secure – the ‘s’ in https  stands for secure. The padlock on the payment screen is also a mark of security.
• Just because a URL ends in .co.uk doesn’t mean the business is registered in the UK.
• Search web addresses using Who Is – a database of who owns what domain names and where they are based or go to the UK’s register of domain names at www.nominet.org.uk.  You can also click on ‘Howard’ the Online Shopping Assistant at www.ukecc.net.
• Always take a copy of the web pages and keep any correspondence as evidence, either electronically or on paper.
• Using a credit card for payments over £100 will also provide extra security.

Fake goods – you’re at risk

Fashion merchandise, DVDs and electrical goods are just some of the types of fakes often purchased online. The people who buy these goods are often unsuspecting and think they are getting a genuine product.

Identity theft and credit card fraud

Entering your debit or credit card details into a website that deals in fakes means that you are essentially giving your card details, your address and your name to criminals.

To ensure your card details remain safe, make sure that you only buy goods online from authorised retailers. Getting a pair of shoes for half price may seem like a quick bargain but now that you know that you’re putting your bank card at risk you’ve got to ask – “Is it really worth it?”

Know your rights

If you buy online from businesses registered in the UK you are legally entitled to return any goods bought within seven days (even if you just change your mind). You are also entitled to return the goods if they are faulty.

If you buy an item and realise it’s a fake, getting a refund can be difficult. Often fakes are sold through websites based outside UK; these websites aren’t subject to the same laws as sites based here.

Shopping online

If you are going to shop online:

• Buying from companies registered in the UK can help keep you safe as you’ll have more legal rights.
• Try and buy from a brand’s official website or from an authorised seller of the product.
• ‘https’ on the web site address means the site is secure – the ‘s’ in https  stands for secure. The padlock on the payment screen is also a mark of security.
• Just because a URL ends in .co.uk doesn’t mean the business is registered in the UK.
• Search web addresses using Who Is – a database of who owns what domain names and where they are based or go to the UK’s register of domain names at www.nominet.org.uk.  You can also click on ‘Howard’ the Online Shopping Assistant at www.ukecc.net.
• Always take a copy of the web pages and keep any correspondence as evidence, either electronically or on paper.
• Using a credit card for payments over £100 will also provide extra security.

Scottish Rocks Basketball

2008 is no exception and Major Stores, Shops, Pubs, Clubs, Theatre, Cinema, Hotel and Visitor Attractions are making every effort to put an attractive package together to ensure an enjoyable experience to suit most tastes.

Northern Constabulary, Inverness Crime Prevention Panel, Crimestoppers, Street Pastors, Highland Council and other groups are working together to ensure as safe an environment as possible exists during this period and as an ongoing operation under the “Respect” umbrella.

With the Christmas holiday season almost upon us, now is a good time to remind people to take steps to make sure criminals don’t spoil your Christmas.

Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day.

We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.

Jim Ferguson – Chair of the Inverness Crime Prevention Panel
talks with the Police out in the City at night.

Commenting on the Winter Festival arrangements, Inverness Area Police Commander, Chief Inspector Julian Innes said:

“I am really pleased that all the partners in Inverness are working together to make Inverness safer and more enjoyable over the winter festival period. Extra Police officers will be on patrol to deter anti social behaviour but for those that chose to commit crime and spoil the enjoyment of others then the message is clear in that it will not be tolerated and policing will be robust.”

Inverness Area Command

Inverness City is the urban centre of Northern Constabulary’s Force area.
The Area Command is responsible for Policing not only the city, but many of the outlying areas such as Beauly, Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus to name but a few.

So what can we do?

Inverness Crime Prevention Panel has applied normal crime prevention advice to Christmas.

The information below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.

Out on the town

With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded.

> Don’t leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the pickpocket.
> Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times
> Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home.
> Avoid any potential disturbances on the street. Stay with friends if you can.
> Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back.
> Don’t drink too much – you could become a target for thieves.
> Take precautions against Drink spiking – Keep your glass with you, never leaving it unattended and keep it covered.

Some general points:

You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas.

> Try to look and act confident – look like you know where you are going and walk tall.

> You might like to spread your valuables around your body.
> For example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket.

> Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying.
> Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop, or showing your friend your new gold ring all show thieves that you are worth robbing.

> When out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings.

Mobile phones

If your phone is stolen, report your number to your network and the police
The handset can now be barred on all networks and will be useless to thieves.

> Register your phone with your network operator.

> Record your registration number (IMEI) and your phone number.
> Keep these in a safe place separate from your phone.
> You can get your IMEI number (15-digit serial number) by keying *#06# into most phones or by looking behind your phone battery.

> Report the number of your stolen phone to your network operator and the police as quickly as you can. It can now be cancelled immediately like a stolen credit card.

> Stay alert your phone is a valuable item. When you are out, be aware of your surroundings and don’t use your phone in crowded areas or where you might feel unsafe.

Credit cards

> Keep your cards separate from your cheque books.

> If your cards are stolen, call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible. > Most banks put the number to call if your cards are stolen on your statement.
They are also often shown on cash machines.

Following the general guidelines for personal safety will help you avoid situations where people may rob you.

Personal Safety: Transport

This section offers some general tips on how to keep yourself safe and secure when you’re making a journey either catching a bus or taxi, or when you’re in the car.

Public transport

As with everything, you are safest where there are other people, and where it is light or well lit.

> Plan your route.

> Try to wait in busy or well-lit areas.

> Sit near other people, the driver if you are on a bus, or near the conductor if you are on a train.

Move if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.

Out Shopping

When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you.

> If you can’t arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse.
> If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to these to be aware of anyone stealing from you.
> You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much
> Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don’t carry too much cash.
> The same applies to travelling on crowded buses or trains.
> If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well- lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view.
> Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance.
> Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping.
> Keep your chequebook and cheque card separately.

At Home

Having bought all those wonderful presents, don’t make it easy for someone to steal from your home.
> Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you ‘hide’ or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure.
> Now is a good time to check that you know what you have both normally (TV, Video etc) and with the extra presents you have bought.
> You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home.
> Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference.
> Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside – dispose of packing carefully.

> If you go out for the evening – make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio.
> Don’t leave curtains open so people can see your decorations as potential thieves can see in.
> Be extra careful about locking doors and windows.
> As a fire precaution, don’t leave Christmas lights on in the house whilst you are out.

> If you go away for the holiday period – use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home.
> Don’t forget to cancel newspapers and milk if you have them delivered and either redirect your mail through the Post Office or have your neighbour take mail into the house – unopened Christmas cards and mail are a sure sign that a house is empty.

Strangers at the door

> Genuine delivery personnel usually have uniforms and liveried vehicles and should not need to come into your home.
> Charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it.
> If you are not sure but want to make a donation, ask whether these can be made in other ways, perhaps through a bank – check with your bank before making any payments through the banking system.

Driving

Please do not drink and drive – to do so risks your own life and others and incurs heavy penalties, possibly prison and financially.

General Safety in your car

> Keep your car in good condition and try not to run out of petrol.

> Keep doors locked when driving and keep bags, phones and other valuables out of sight, preferably in the boot.

> Try to park in well-lit or busy areas, and if you park during the day, think about what the area will feel like after dark.

> Do not give lifts to or accept lifts with people you do not know, or do not know well.

> Do not drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs, and do not take a lift from someone who has.

> You may feel more comfortable carrying a mobile phone with you. Try to keep it out of sight, and do not use it while drivingThe Inverness Winter Festival started on 20^th November and will continue until 1^st January.

Inverness Crime Prevention Panel in co-operation with Police, Highland Council, Street Pastors and Crimestoppers wish everyone a very happy festive period.

Finally, anyone with information about any criminal activity is asked to contact Crimestoppers.

The service is designed with confidentiality in mind and information about crime can be given anonymously

Call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111

Crimestoppers are a Registered Charity.

Have Fun, Be Safe, and please Respect each other during this festive season and at all other times.

Jim Ferguson
Chair - Inverness Crime Prevention Panel
Chair – Crimestoppers Highlands