Warning For Oasis Fans Over Counterfeit Goods

Oasis fans going to this weekend’s concerts are being urged to watch out for traders selling merchandise outside the venue, as the items are likely to be counterfeit.

The warning comes after Manchester City Council trading standards officers, accompanied by Greater Manchester Police, seized around 7,000 counterfeit items, including counterfeit band T-shirts, during what is thought to be one of the largest raids of its kind in the city’s history.

An articulated lorry had to be used to move the items, taken from a city centre warehouse, while items were also seized from a house in Levenshulme and a van during the operation earlier this month.

The officers seized T-shirts and hooded tops bearing logos of bands playing during concerts at Heaton Park on June 4, 6 and 7, including Oasis, Kasabian and The Enemy, along with other artists including The Stone Roses, The Ting Tings, Girls Aloud and Bob Dylan.

Counterfeit Manchester United and Manchester City scarves, hats and shirts were also seized during the raid.

Printing businesses were also raided as part of the operation, with officers seizing printing screens and acetates of T-shirt designs. A man has been questioned in relation to the operation.

Councillor Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: “I would like to praise our trading standards officers for carrying out this raid, which will have a significant impact on the amount of bogus items being sold outside concerts.

“However, there are still likely to be illegal traders attempting to sell items outside the concert, and I would like to remind fans that the items they sell are likely to be counterfeit and of poor quality. Fans who care about what they’re getting should buy merchandise from the official stalls.

“I would also like to warn any illegal street traders who are planning to sell items outside the concert – we will have officers at the event and we will be looking out for you.”

Source: www.prestwichandwhitefieldguide.co.uk

Tickets are still available for a number shows on Oasis' largest-ever UK Stadium tour, click here for availability of tickets.