Counterfeit goods giving cops a hard time

Counterfeit goods giving cops a hard time

Customs and Border Protection in the 2009 fiscal year. The most popular knockoff item was shoes, which accounted Vernon Davis Red Jersey for nearly $100 million of last year's seizures, followed by electronics, handbags and clothing.

It's a crime dependent on people's love of a bargain. So the gift giving frenzy of the holidays can www.official49ersnflproshop.com/Nike-Mike-Iupati-Jersey.html be prime time for counterfeiters, said Steven Kirby, whose Elmhurst based investigative agency specializes in counterfeit cases.

"As retailers gear up for the holiday season, so do Justin Smith Womens Jersey counterfeiters because more people are shopping," said Kirby, chairman of Edward R. Kirby Associates.

Kirby began handling counterfeit product investigations in the mid 1980s. It is now a third of the agency's business. Clients, which have included Nike and Microsoft, train Kirby's investigators how to spot counterfeit products.

The agency just completed a monthlong investigation with Chicago police that last weekend led to the arrest of a man on the North Side who was allegedly in possession of hundreds of fake Casio watches and knockoff Air Jordan shoes, as well as unlicensed sports apparel, said Town Hall District Lt. Bob Stasch.

The value of www.official49ersnflproshop.com/Nike-Patrick-Willis-Jersey.html the seized goods was estimated at $40,000, Stasch said.

"A lot of items are sold to unsuspecting customers," Kirby said. "They'll take the fake Nike shoes and put them in a real box. We're finding more mixing of legitimate shoes with fakes in fixed storefronts."

Many people remain blase about counterfeiting. On Tuesday, a couple of holiday shoppers in Wrigleyville said they didn't Justin Smith Youth Jersey think a woman would be offended by a knockoff gift.

"Because of the economy and lack of jobs, I don't think someone would say too much," said Margaret Martin of the South Side as she window shopped along Clark Street. "At least she got something."

Counterfeit items Vernon Davis Youth Jersey are usually priced about a fifth to a third of the retail price, Kirby said.

"I would be fine if I (received a knockoff purse) because it's just a purse," said Yolanda Sims of Chicago Heights. "I'm more impressed by someone who saves their money."

Counterfeiting remains a serious crime and can lead to charges that range from a misdemeanor to a felony calling for 15 years in prison, according to the Illinois Counterfeit Trademark Act, said Andy Conklin, spokesman with the Cook County state's attorney's office.

Simply put, shoppers should use common sense, Stasch said. "If you see a deal that looks too good to be true, it probably is.".