Fake jewellery melted down at foundry
TRADING Standards officers have warned shoppers to avoid buying cheap counterfeit jewellery from online auction sites.The warning came as 9,000 items of fake Tiffany jewellery were melted down earrings at a foundry in Middlesbrough. The metal from the necklaces, earrings and bracelets will be recycled.The jewellery, together with a number of other valuable items such as genuine Chanel handbags and Hermes scarves, were part of a haul seized from two Chinese nationals operating from a property in Thornaby, near Stockton.Large volumes of counterfeit goods were being sold on a UK internet site.The man and woman living at the address, who were believed to be behind the operation, did not answer bail and are thought to have fled back to China.The investigation involved Stockton Borough Council’s Trading Standards and officers from Cleveland Police, who froze bank accounts held by the couple key rings and seized other items such as computers, cameras and mobile phones.David Kitching, the council’s Trading Standards and Licencing manager said: “This type of jewellery is often manufactured from cheap materials.”In this case, it contained high levels of aluminium and zinc, which can cause skin problems for wearers who have a sensitivity.”I would urge consumers to purchase only from reputable traders to avoid any health problems.”Councillor Steve Nelson said: “People should be aware that the profit from this type of trade goes straight into the pockets of Money Clips criminals. “In addition, the local economy suffers. Legitimate businesses can be affected by reduced profits, which can result in lower wages, lost jobs and opportunities for future growth.”
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