Dozens of counterfeit Christmas jumpers featuring Olaf the snowman from Frozen seized from Ipswich market stall

One of the Olaf jumpers seized by trading standards at Ipswich market Archant

Seventy counterfeit Christmas jumpers emblazoned with Olaf the snowman from the Disney blockbuster Frozen have been seized from an Ipswich market stall.

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The seizure by Suffolk Trading Standards officers has led to a warning to Christmas shoppers that some bargains are too good to be true.

Critically-acclaimed Frozen has also been a big hit with youngsters, with various types of merchandise relating to the film able to be bought in shops and over the internet.

However, a market trader on the Cornhill has been given a written warning as well as being left out of pocket after having a significant amount of his stock confiscated for contravening copyright laws.

It is understood the Olaf jumpers were on sale in child and adult sizes for between £7 and £13.

They were first spotted by trading standards officers as they walked through the town.

Subsequently a test purchase was made which led to checks with Disney, the trademark holder, about the authenticity of the sweater. The corporation confirmed it was fake.

On Wednesday officers returned to the market stall and confiscated 70 of the trader’s jumpers.

It is understood the trader, who had not been in trouble with trading standards before, had bought them from a wholesaler.

Following the seizure Suffolk County Councillor Colin Spence, cabinet member for public protection, said: “I am urging residents to be cautious and ensure they only buy goods from reputable or accredited sellers. People have worked hard all year and it is unfair they could be at risk of spending their hard-earned money on an item that is not the genuine article.”

“It is also unfair on the legitimate traders who work hard to ensure they operate within the law.”

Frozen is the highest-grossing animated film of all time, topping the previous record held by Toy Story 3. It also won two Oscars for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song.

In the film when a princess with the power to turn things into ice curses her home in infinite winter, her sister Anna teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and Olaf the enchanted snowman to change the weather.

The film features the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff.

If you suspect anyone of selling counterfeit goods, or want advice on goods you have bought, contact Suffolk Trading Standards Department through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.