A PIRATE DVD amnesty is being held in the Kingfisher Centre today (Wednesday) as part of a pre-Christmas blitz to raise awareness of the growing problem.

The Industry Trust will be in the centre with Trading Standards officers crushing any pirate DVDs which are brought to them.

The campaign aims to shatter the illusion of DVD pirates as harmless "Del Boy" characters by highlighting the involvement of serious criminals such as paramilitary groups and people traffickers.

Counterfeit DVDs will be crushed on site with a special portable machine and the first 50 people to bring in DVDs will be able to exchange their pirate copies for a genuine one.

Everyone returning a pirate DVD will also be entered into a prize draw to win a free DVD player.

Director general of the British Video Association, Lavinia Carey, said: "Many people still see DVD crime as harmless fun. But we believe as more people come to understand organised criminals who are drug dealers and people traffickers are involved in counterfeiting, they will wish to disassociate themselves from counterfeit products.

"That's why we are asking people to bring their pirate DVDs along to be publicly destroyed. There's no question of anyone getting into trouble by returning pirate DVDs."

Mrs Carey said she wanted people to think twice about where their money was going if they bought a pirate DVD as a Christmas present.

Anyone who is aware of DVD pirate activity can report it anonymously on 0845 6034567 or via www.piracyisacrime.com