Shoppers are urged to report the illegal traders

Shoppers are being urged to report "Del Boy" traders who sell counterfeit goods this Christmas. The government is launching the campaign amid concern that nearly half of all counterfeit goods are sold during the festive season. It is feared the sale of fake goods subsidises gangs involved in drug trafficking and other serious crimes. The government believes rogue traders reminiscent of the character Del Boy, from the BBC series Only Fools and Horses, will be out in force. Consumer Affairs Minister Melanie Johnson said: "We know the public's perception of counterfeiting is often based on characters like Del Boy or a loveable rogue selling cheap fakes from a battered suitcase. Genuine traders lose out because of this illegal business, she said. The public will be urged to call the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline if they suspect rogue traders of selling illegal goods. The trade in fakes is estimated to cost industry Ј9bn a year and the Treasury about Ј1.5bn in lost revenue.