Police have warned householders to watch out for fake goods being offered for sale in the run up to Christmas.

Det Sgt Dave Horsburgh said: "If a deal looks too good to be true, then the chances are it probably is.

"It is Christmas time and we know how a good bargain might be an ideal Christmas present.

"But I would like to remind people that handling stolen goods is a criminal offence and can result in up to 14 years imprisonment."

Richard Webb, from Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards, said: "At this time of the year we frequently have cause to deal with shoddy or counterfeit goods being sold on the street or at car boot fairs.

"Often they are being sold cheap and appear a bargain, but frequently toys sold in this way are unsafe or not sold with appropriate warnings to ensure that buyers know who they are suitable for.

"We also find counterfeit DVDs that are so poor often only about one in three will actually play."

Lesley Nesbitt, crime reduction advisor, added: "Police stations have a quantity of UV pens that can be handed to members of the public.

"Porcelain or jewellery items should be photographed as UV marking is not recommended for them.

"Valuables shouldn't be placed in full view of a window and obviously the property should be made secure whenever the owner leaves it."

Anyone with information about counterfeit goods should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.