TRADING standards officers across Gwent are joining forces to fight a growing trend of counterfeit goods being traded in the workplace.

Teams from Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen have all seen a rise in reports of the sale of such items, particularly DVDs.

Latest figures from the Industry Trust for IT Awareness found more than one in four people who buy pirate films obtain them from the workplace. Now the crackdown in Gwent will focus on two types of activities: l the employee selling copied films to colleagues.

l the itinerant seller who is allowed to move from business to business selling items from the back of a car.

Tradings standards officers are appealing for help from employers, staff and members of the public.

Anyone concerned about pirate DVDs on sale in their workplace can phone a new Counterfeit Crimeline.

The call can be anonymous and an expert will be able to explain what information they need.

"Intellectual property theft affects all kinds of business. It can only be successful if given an outlet," said a spokesman for the five Greater Gwent sections.

"If staff are trading in pirate DVDs on your premises or are using your office equipment for downloading, file sharing and duplicating copyright material such as films, games, music and TV shows, it not only wastes company time, money and resources, it could also leave your systems open to attack by hackers and viruses."

He added that many people were not aware that, in extreme cases, company owners and directors could face prosecution for aiding and abetting copyright offences that take place on their premises.

As part of the new campaign every major employer in the Greater Gwent area will receive a poster and information pack.

Councillor Ray Truman, Newport's cabinet member for community safety, said the initiative demonstrated the council's "zero tolerance towards such irresponsible criminal activity; activity that threatens local jobs and businesses and represents a detriment to the protection of consumers".

Monmouthshire county councillor Chris Woodhouse, cabinet member for the environment, stressed the effect piracy had on taking business away from local firms. Also, counterfeit items were not tested and purchasers had no protection if goods were faulty or unsafe.

The Counterfeit Crimeline number is 01495 235291 or people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.