Council clamp down on ‘sharp rise’ of counterfeit Paddington Bear items being sold by traders

A council’s trading standards team seized more than 1,500 counterfeit Paddington Bear items from areas where scenes from the world famous movie were filmed. 

Trading standards officers from Kensington and Chelsea council seized tote bags, magnets and t-shirts from shops along Portobello Road. 

Further counterfeit goods were seized by officers from five shops in Earl’s Court Road with an estimated street value of £15,000. 

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

Councillor 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.”  

Pictured top: Paddington Bear tote bags were amongst the counterfeit items seized by the council (Picture: Kensington and Chelsea council)