Trading Standards issue warning after NI jeweller fined £9,000 for selling counterfeit watches

Trading Standards has issued a consumer alert following the sentencing of a jeweller who sold counterfeit designer watches from his store in Craigavon.

Rodney Simmons, 51, of Laurelvale Road, Portadown, was fined £9,000 at Craigavon Crown Court today and ordered to destroy the illicit goods.

Simmons, the director of Jans Jewellers Limited trading as Faith Jewellers, pleaded guilty to six offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994. The charges relate to the sale, display, and possession of counterfeit designer watches at his business located in the Rushmere Shopping Centre.

An investigation by the Trading Standards Service (TSS) was launched after a complaint was received about suspect items being sold at Faith Jewellers.

Upon inspection, Trading Standards officers seized 36 counterfeit watches, displayed alongside genuine products and priced between £249 and £399. Brand representatives later confirmed the items were fake, with a total estimated retail value of approximately £10,000.

A spokesperson for the Trading Standards Service commented:

“This should serve as a warning to individuals who believe they can profit from selling counterfeit goods. Mr Simmons purchased cheap counterfeit watches and then sold them at genuine retail prices. Consumers are entitled to expect that the goods they buy from traders are of the quality associated with named brands.”

The TSS spokesperson also highlighted the broader impact of counterfeit trade, adding:

“Counterfeit trade harms the local economy by cheating consumers, undermining legitimate retailers and threatening jobs. TSS take this activity seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any trader found to be selling counterfeit goods.”

In light of the case, Trading Standards is reminding consumers to be vigilant when purchasing branded items and has offered practical advice to help avoid counterfeit goods:

• Be cautious of bargains – If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

• Buy from reputable sources – Avoid unknown online sellers or suspicious marketplaces.

• Inspect quality and packaging – Look for poor workmanship, misspellings, or unclear branding.

• Check website details – Verify the seller’s location, and review spelling and grammar.

• Look for returns policies – Rogue traders often do not offer guarantees or returns.

Consumers who believe they may have purchased counterfeit goods or who have information about traders selling fake items are urged to contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or via the online form at nidirect.gov.uk.

This latest case underscores the commitment of Trading Standards to protect consumers and ensure a fair trading environment for legitimate businesses across the UK.