News

Watch Out For Dodgy DVD's This Christmas

People in Poole are being warned to steer clear of illegal traders selling dodgy DVDs in the run-up to Christmas.

It follows the successful prosecution by Borough of Poole's Trading Standards team of a Southampton man caught selling counterfeit "cinema release" DVDs and unclassified pornographic DVDs in Poole.

Jian Xin Lin, also known as Xing Lin, was jailed after pleading guilty to possessing 923 illegal DVDs at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on October 29, 2008.

Mr Lin was prosecuted under the Trade Marks Act 1994 for selling illegal DVDs, including well-known film titles. He also was prosecuted under the Video Recordings Act 1984 for the illegal unclassifiable pornographic material.

He was sentenced to a total of 32 weeks imprisonment and had the counterfeit DVD's seized. He also received a four-week sentence for failing to attend court on April 10, 2008, and for giving false details to court.

Environmental and Consumer Protections Services' (E&CPS) Trading Standards team became aware of Mr Lin's illegal selling after his arrest by police in February. The DVDs seized were very poor quality which made viewing difficult and in some cases impossible.

The sale of counterfeit and unclassified DVDs is an increasing problem in Poole. Illegal sellers have targeted industrial estates and factories in the area and more recently attempted to sell door-to-door to residents.

Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: "The DVDs were not only illegal but extremely poor quality. This illegal trade impacts on the local economy and deprives honest traders of legitimate custom.

"People who unwittingly buy dodgy DVDs may not realise that they could be funding other associated illegal activities. With Christmas coming, I can only urge the public not to part with their money and to report the seller to police or our trading standards team."

Shaun Robson, Head of Environmental and Consumer Protections Services, Borough of Poole, said: "The severity of this custodial sentence should send a stark warning to anyone involved in the illegal distribution of counterfeit cinema titles and unclassified pornographic DVDs."