Counterfeit items are becoming more difficult to spot and London is awash with expensive fakes according to accountants KPMG.

Counterfeit goods such as clothing, DVDs and CDs are being sold for more in London than in almost any other city in the world, the KPMG research showed.

Fake goods cost on average 31% of the price of the genuine article in the capital. That compares to 22% in New York, 13% in Tel Aviv and 8% in Johannesburg. Counterfeit goods in Prague cost 39% of the original price when products such as cigarettes are included.

Branded jeans were being sold in London for as much as 45% of the genuine cost and DVDs 40%.

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