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Nearly 1,500 fake Paddington Bear items have been seized in a raid in west London on the street where scenes from the movie series were filmed.
Trading Standards officers seized the fake goods in Notting Hill’s Portobello Road.
On Wednesday, another 400 further items of fake merchandise were seized from five shops in Earl’s Court Road, with an estimated value of £15,000.
Among the goods seized in Portobello Road were £10 tote bags, magnets and t-shirts.
The raid on Earl’s Court Road found 174 fake Paddington magnets, 138 tote bags, 69 shot glasses, 19 packs of playing cards, 11 thimbles and 9 spoon rests.
Officials with Kensington and Chelsea Council said there had been a sharp rise in the sale of rip-off Paddington merchandise, with fans awaiting the release of the latest installment Paddington in Peru in cinemas on Friday.
Representatives from private investigations firm Surelock, acting on behalf of Paddington & Co, were used to help to identify items that illegally used trademarks and copyrighted material without permission.
Cllr Cem Kemahli, lead member for planning and public realm said: “Ahead of the release of the new Paddington Bear movie, there’s been a sharp rise in illegal sales of fake goods that trick movie fans into buying unsafe, cheap quality products.
“Portobello Road is known for its markets, shops and vibrant atmosphere and our trading standards team are "bearing down" and taking swift action against sellers who are undermining legitimate businesses in our borough.
“Partnership working with trademark representatives has resulted in an operation seizing nearly 2,000 fake goods and sends out a clear message to unscrupulous businesses that we will come after you.”
Kensington and Chelsea Trading Standards said “action” would be taken against shops were the items were found.
Paddington In Peru is the latest movie based on the children’s books about a bear from Peru who wears a red hat and blue coat and has an affinity for marmalade sandwiches.
The third film in the Paddington series follows the bear as he journeys to Peru, returning to visit Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears.
The film, featuring Olivia Colman, Hugh Bonneville and Ben Whishaw, will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on November 8.
