Traders see almost £10,000 worth of fake Paddington Bear goods seized ahead of half-term film release

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Almost £10,000 worth of counterfeit Paddington Bear merchandise was seized by Westminster City Council’s Trading Standards during raids along Oxford Street.

Just days away from the release of the latest film in the Paddington series, officers targeted nine shops along Oxford Street and Central London seizing £9,500 worth of unofficial merchandise. Some of the items seized included t-shirts, tote bags, fridge magnets and even shot glasses - all emblazoned with the image of Westminster’s famous furry character.

Supporting the council’s officers were representatives from Surelock, acting on behalf of Paddington & Co. They helped to identify products that displayed trademarks and copyrighted material without the permission of the owner. This represented criminal breaches of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

When it comes to protecting Westminster's consumers the council provides more than the bear necessities. This latest sting is part of a wider operation by the council targeting unscrupulous businesses on Europe’s premier shopping destination that continue to sell counterfeit goods or American candy or snacks containing banned ingredients.

Ron Harrison, Managing Director of Surelock said: 

We are extremely grateful to the team, carrying out enforcement action at so many premises in one day, it was unprecedented, everyone worked very hard.”

Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug said:

Trying to con shoppers in Westminster with fake Paddington goods is bear-faced cheek we won’t stand for.

“Our job is to ensure shoppers get what they pay for. Big retail names are making a welcome return to Oxford Street and rogue traders have been a blemish on the area for too long.

“People trying to fleece Paddington fans have felt the long-arm of the paw, and so will anyone who tries to rip off customers in Westminster.”