TRADING Standards officers have issued a warning to Worcestershire residents planning to take advantage of the money-spinning opportunities surrounding Euro 2004.

Officers have warned bogus traders that they will come down hard on those selling counterfeit products featuring the Three Lions crest and official UEFA Euro 2004 logo.

Both the crest and the logo are protected under the Trademarks Act, making it illegal to reproduce them without permission.

The news comes after officers seized 99 counterfeit Euro 2004 shirts at a Worcester house last week.

"We will be keeping an eye on markets and car boot sales over the coming weeks and will seize counterfeits," warned Worcestershire Trading Standards' divisional manager John Dell.

Education

"We would also like the public's assistance and ask them to contact our advice and education line if they do see some on sale."

He also urged county residents to be cautious when shopping for Euro 2004 goods - saying bargains may not be all they are cracked up to be.

"It's also very unlikely traders would be there the following week to return the goods," he added.

He said consumers should look out for the following on reversible England football shirts to make sure they are getting the genuine article:

n Look in the bottom hem for a tear-off washing instructions label, a size label and a label bearing the "official produce" logo - these are on genuine shirts

n Check the stitching and the embroidery around the badges - on counterfeits this is often poor quality.

n Look for a pinkish tinge in the background on the George cross sew-on badge - this is on the counterfeits.

n Don't be fooled by the presence of a hologram and swing tag as the counterfeits have a very good copy.

n To be sure consumers are buying the genuine article, they are strongly advised to buy any Euro 2004 merchandise from a reputable trader.

If you spot somebody you suspect selling counterfeit goods, call Trading Standards on 01905 765373