The warnings were made by Policing and Justice Minister Paul Goggins as he launched an advertising campaign in a bid to raise awareness that buying fake goods funds real crimes and lines the pockets of criminals.

"The image of the 'Del Boy' wheeler dealer offering you a bargain for cheap toys, DVDs, football shirts and even cigarettes and alcohol is a long way away from the reality," Mr Goggins said.

He added: "Counterfeit goods are shoddy and poor quality, electrical products are unsafe and can cause real harm to you and your family - not the kind of Christmas present we want to give those closest to us."

The campaign, which was launched at Bar 7 in the Odyssey Pavillion today, will run in pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and hotels over the Christmas period.

Mr Goggins said he would urge anyone considering buying counterfeit goods to think about what they are really paying for.

"You could in reality be funding drugs, violent crime and criminal lifestyles by purchasing a dodgy DVD or a pair of fake designer jeans," he said.

"That's not much of a bargain and it's not something that most people will want to be associated with.

"Legitimate businesses continue to be undermined by a criminal underworld intent on flooding the market with illicit and fake goods and this has an impact across all Northern Ireland communities.

"None of us would feel comfortable knowing that the money we have spent on a counterfeit CD or pair of fake trainers was used to purchase drugs that could be sold on to someone you know."

Over the last two years the PSNI has seized almost £14m of counterfeit goods at markets and other locations across Northern Ireland.

"We will continue to take the fight to the criminals but we need the public to help us. By refusing to buy counterfeits you will reduce the demand so you too can play your part in putting the criminals out of business," the Minister said.

The campaign is funded by the Northern Ireland Office, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Federation Against Copyright Theft, and includes funding from the PSNI Assets Recovery Fund.

Money from the PSNI Assets Recovery Fund is cash that has been taken from criminals in Northern Ireland by the PSNI through the Proceeds of Crime Act.