POLICE are continuing their war against traders selling counterfeit computer games.

In the latest clampdown, officers seized 176 suspect discs from a man attempting to sell the illegal games at Chester-le-Street market.

The discs, believed to contain PlayStation games, would have a retail value of £5,000 if they were the genuine article.

The 31-year-old man, from nearby Stanley, was arrested on January 6 and released on police bail after questioning.

His arrest follows that in December of a 43-year-old stallholder, also from Stanley, who faces various offences under the Video Recordings Act, Trademarks Act and the Design and Patents Act.

On that occasion, officers seized 2,500 counterfeit CDs and equipment associated with the manufacture of pirate discs.

The CDs included the latest PlayStation and Dreamcast games, along with DVD films such as Coyote Ugly and Blair Witch Project 2.

Unscrupulous traders are known to sell the discs for £3, as opposed to the £20 to £40 they cost in the shops.

An investigator from the European Leisure Software Publishers Association is assisting police with forensic evidence for their report into this month's seizure.

An association spokesman said: "This man will now be made subject of a report and may face prosecution.

"Those tempted to become involved in crime of this nature must remember that there is an extreme likelihood of detection, and the consequences of a successful prosecution could mean imprisonment, a hefty fine and confiscation of properties, as well as gaining a criminal record."

Some fake games are known not to work, and shoppers are advised to buy from recognised retailers.

Anyone with information on computer piracy can call their local trading standards department or the European Leisure Software Publishers Association on 0870 5133405