Police in Bristol have issued a warning to Christmas shoppers over a rise in counterfeit perfumes being sold on the city’s streets. Avon and Somerset Police said its officers have seen a rise in people selling items out of carrier bags in the street over the festive period.
Posting a warning to X, formerly Twitter, ASPolice Bristol said these items are counterfeit and “may not be good for you,” as dodgy perfume may contain harmful toxic chemicals, including cyanide, and, in some cases, human urine.
Officers out on patrol around Castle Park and Broadmead seized suspected face perfumes on Monday, December 9.
The force wrote: “Specially trained officers were out for #ProjectServator deployments around Castle Park and Broadmead yesterday. Lots of people spoken to. From a complaint we seized suspected fake perfumes, suspects will be dealt with.”
In a second statement posted today (December 10), the account wrote: “We are seeing an increase in people selling items on the street from carrier bags in #Bristol centre, items are counterfeit and may not be good for you! Please do not buy from people out of carrier bags on street, you’re wasting your money.”
A photo attached with the post shows the kinds of products being counterfeited as Coco Chanel, Dior, Hugo Boss and Tom Ford perfumes. Action Fraud says counterfeit goods are “presented using the intellectual property of a well-known brand” so while shoppers may think they’re getting a bargain on the real deal, sellers are making a large profit on potentially harmful products.
“If you buy counterfeit goods, you’re helping the trader to break the law. The money you’ve spent ends up funding organised crime such as drug dealing. You’re also contributing to job losses because genuine manufacturers are unable to match prices charged by rogue traders.
“Worst of all, you’re putting yourself at risk: some counterfeits can be dangerous to use and in some cases are made using toxic substances.”
Police in London previously warned that fake designer perfumes can contain poisonous chemicals, including cyanide and even human urine.