The loveable rogue won't be around to give you a refund when the item falls apart and fakes don't come with guarantees

Consumer Affairs Minister Melanie Johnson

It is feared the sale of fake goods subsidises gangs involved in drug trafficking and other serious crimes.

The government believes rogue traders reminiscent of the character Del Boy, from the BBC series Only Fools and Horses, will be out in force.

Consumer Affairs Minister Melanie Johnson said: "We know the public's perception of counterfeiting is often based on characters like Del Boy or a loveable rogue selling cheap fakes from a battered suitcase.

"Genuine traders lose out because of this illegal business.

Fake finds

2001: flammable Bob The Builder furniture 2000: Millennium "champagne" was �3 sparkling wine 1999: Pokemon watches with detachable parts 1998: car brake shoes made of compressed grass 1996: perfume containing urine 1996: whisky spiked with meths

"But the public often has more sympathy for the guy selling fakes in the rain than the business interests that may be damaged.

"The loveable rogue won't be around to give you a refund when the item falls apart and fakes don't come with guarantees."

The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG) predict that the big Christmas counterfeit item this year will be Harry Potter merchandise.

Poor quality pirate video copies of the hit film were recently found on sale in Glasgow - months before its official release on video.

The public will be urged to call the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline if they suspect rogue traders of selling illegal goods.

The trade in fakes is estimated to cost industry �9bn a year and the Treasury about �1.5bn in lost revenue.

Jobs at risk

It is also responsible for putting up to 4,100 people out of work, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Del Boy: Epitomises the trader of counterfeit goods

John Anderson, of the ACG which represents over 200 UK businesses, said one of the main aims was to end people's misplaced belief that counterfeiting does not hurt anybody.

The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) says 60% of the organised crime gangs involved in counterfeiting, or intellectual property theft, are also drug traffickers.

According to the ACG, 12% of all toys and sports goods, 11% of clothing and footwear and 10% of perfume and toiletries are fake.

In recent years fake goods seized in the UK have included drinks made with anti-freeze and perfumes containing urine.

The Crimestoppers hotline is 0800 555111