A market's reputation as a safe shopping environment can very quickly be undermined if it is infiltrated by unscrupulous individuals selling counterfeit and other illegal products. Sadly this is a problem for many markets. The sale of fake designer goods has been a major problem across the UK.  It is often linked to organised criminal groups for whom selling counterfeit goods at a market is a relatively risk-free way to make money.

Many people think that counterfeiting is a victimless crime but there is indisputable evidence that counterfeiting activity is linked to serious organised crime. Criminals are committing money laundering offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act. It also damages legitimate traders who face unfair competition from these criminals.

And traders cannot simply turn a blind eye as to whether or not goods are counterfeit. It is not acceptable to buy goods and make no checks as to whether or not they are genuine.

We do not want crime in here

The Real Deal campaign is a national initiative aimed at tackling the supply of illegal goods and supporting well-run markets. Markets are not uniformly regulated and can therefore offer easy opportunities for those who wish to trade illegally, particularly in counterfeit and pirated goods. Across the country, local authority trading standards services and many market operators are working hard to maintain local markets as safe and fair environments in which to trade and to shop.

At the heart of the Real Deal project is a charter, which sets out key principles for market operators to abide by. Signing up to the charter demonstrates an organisation's commitment to safe and fair trading at their local market and keep market free from counterfeit and illegal products. The Real Deal stamp of approval is a great way to ensure people can shop and trade with confidence.

Make sure your market operator signs up the Real Deal charter - and don't forget to tell the world!