Potentially unsafe Christmas toys seized

THINK carefully when buying toys for Christmas.

That’s the latest message for residents from Warrington trading standards after a number of counterfeit goods were seized from Warrington town centre.

The toys seized were a remote controlled flying saucer. The boxes containing the toys had images of ‘Spider Man’ printed on them and on the actual product itself and were being sold for £19.99.

Examination of the product revealed that not only were the flying saucers counterfeit but it was found that an adaptor plug supplied with the product was potentially unsafe, leaving users at risk of touching live pins when mated with the adaptor and so being electrocuted.

All toys sold in Britain and Europe must have a CE mark on them, or on their display box, together with the manufacturer or importer's name and address. If there are any problems, investigators may then return to the source of the products for information about safety checks carried out on the products.

While the items seized do have a CE mark, there are no details of the importer or manufacturer, meaning officers cannot check if the required safety tests have been carried out on the toys, which may put children at risk.

Officers are also reminding residents to think carefully before buying electrical appliances from temporary outlets and from overseas as it is often more difficult to return the goods .

Shoppers should check the plug is the correct type and voltage for the UK market and meets the requirements of UK plugs and sockets legislation.

Roy Smith, Executive Board member for community services, said: "There is only one winner when fake goods are bought and it's not the child, or the parent who has saved money by buying the goods. It's the global network of criminals which controls this hugely profitable trade in fakes."

If you have any concerns about products you have bought or seen on sale contact Warrington Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06

Issued by:  Barry Gregory, Press Officer
Date:   Tuesday 11 December, 2007
Release: Immediate