A CRACKDOWN on counterfeit goods campaign has been launched with an appeal for people to blow the whistle on fakes.

The anti-counterfeit week began with a poster launch outside Burnley FC's ground at Turf Moor, and will continue tomorrow with a spot-the-fake stand in the town centre.

The scheme is due to be extended to Blackburn and across the county in the coming months.

Product counterfeiting last year cost the North West economy £750million, and an estimated 1,000 jobs.

It also helped to fund other crime in the region, including drug dealing.

The Crimestoppers campaign, encouraging the public and legitimate businesses to expose counterfeit con men, began with the unveiling of a hard-hitting billboard outside the Turf Moor ground.

The message highlighted the links between counterfeiting and crime. Information leaflets are being distributed across the town through retailers, leisure centres and other key venues, including the Crimestoppers freephone number, 0800 555111.

Jim Potts, Lancashire County Council chief trading standards officer warned they were hard on counterfeiters and that the message was clear: "Counterfeiting is a serious problem being taken seriously by enforcement agencies.

"Anybody found counterfeiting can expect to be prosecuted and have their machinery confiscated."

The spot-the-fake stand will be in the Charter Walk shopping centre tomorrow from 10am.

Rewards may also be available for information received by Crimestoppers about anyone involved in the making or selling of fake goods.

Calls to 0800 555111 are free and receive anonymity.

Picture: Jim Potts (left), Lancashire County Council Trading Standards officer, and Danny Reuben, media and PR manager at Burnley FC, launch the campaign outside Turf Moor.