CITY of York Trading Standards is committed to continuing its campaign to wage war on those who supply and sell counterfeit DVDs.

Officers have pledged to continue seizing counterfeit DVDs from sellers at car boot sales, work places, and others in York.

Three million pirate DVDs were seized by UK law enforcement agencies in 2004, and a York Trading Standards spokesman said: "We support the latest DVD anti-piracy campaign launched by the Industry Trust for Intellectual Property Awareness.

"Buy a pirate DVD and you're far from being the only victim. All you may have to worry about is the poor quality sound and picture, and you may consider that is an acceptable risk for the cut-price deal offered by the counterfeiters. However, for film distributors and retailers, the people who sell or rent out legitimate DVDs, the increased availability of pirate copies is a major threat to their businesses.

"Pirate profiteering doesn't just affect big business, but everyone whose livelihood relies on sales of the legitimate product - from film technicians to retail staff. It is estimated that £80 million is lost annually in unpaid VAT alone, the total annual loss to the film and video industry in the UK is £450 million, of which £150 million is lost to the box office and £300 million to the home video industry.

"That's not all. All across the UK, DVD piracy is linked with criminal activity, including drug crime, people trafficking, money laundering, benefit fraud and violence.

"Organised criminals and even terrorist groups are attracted to the relatively high returns and low risks associated with DVD piracy.

"Cut-price DVDs are widely available from street traders and car boot sales and may seem like a bargain, but when you look behind the scenes there's a price to pay and it's a high one.

"Are you happy to support serious crime in your area?

"If not, then don't support DVD piracy as it is part of the same criminal network.

"Piracy is not a victimless crime so Don't Support It - Report It, by phoning 0845 603 4567 or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. You do not have to reveal your identity."

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, November 24, 2005