Trading Standards in Wirral are preparing for a Christmas crackdown on counterfeit goods.

And officers are warning online purchasers of electrical equipment to check that they meet Euro safety standards.

Councillor Bernie Mooney, council cabinet member for environment, said: “Christmas is a very busy time of year for Trading Standards.

“Consumers often make purchasing decisions on impulse and are often swayed by cheaper online deals from non-reputable sources.

“The safety of Wirral’s consumers is of absolute paramount important for us, so I would urge shoppers to be wary of cheap electrical goods which they are directly importing themselves.

“Such goods, if they haven’t been properly checked, could pose a serious risk of harm.”

Many electrical items have a charger or power supply that connects to the mains and there are strict regulations controlling safety.

They should normally carry a “CE” marking and information such as brand, model and output voltage.

Among goods seized throughout this year were some 5,000 counterfeit DVDs and CDs, 1,000 items of fake clothing and jewellery, 7,000 packets of illicit cigarettes and 1,300 bottles of spirits.

All items have been diposed of in an"ethical" process.

A significant amount of clothing has been donated to charities for distribution across the UK and worldwide. 

The combined value of the haul was an estimated £250,000.

To report suspected illegal goods, or for consumer advice, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.