High value unsafe toys seized following public tip off

Acting on reliable intelligence received from a member of the public, Trading Standards officers carried out inspections at three sites in Washington. A significant haul of unsafe items was removed, with an average selling price of £15 to £20. The seized items include fake Labubus and K-Pop Demon Hunter toys. The approximate total value of the seized goods is estimated between £4,500 and £6,000, with many of the items classed as high‑value. Investigations into the premises are ongoing.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) has highlighted several products that could pose serious dangers if bought from unreliable sources or without proper safety checks. These include:

• Cheap copies of popular toys - often poorly made, with parts that break easily or contain harmful chemicals.
• Electric scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes - lithium-ion batteries can cause explosive fires if faulty or cheaply made.
• Easy-access button batteries - highly dangerous if swallowed, found in toys, decorations and novelty items.
• Water beads - can expand inside the body if swallowed, causing life-threatening blockages.
• Magnetic toys - strong magnets can cause severe internal injuries if ingested.
• Baby sleep products - items such as hug pillows and unsafe sleep bags can pose risks of suffocation or overheating.
• Slime - some products contain harmful levels of boron, leading to illness or long-term health risks.
• Laser pointers - powerful beams can cause permanent sight loss if shone into the eyes.

Residents are advised to stick with trusted brand names and avoiding deals that seem too good to be true, as these can often signal unsafe products. Extra care should be taken when buying for children under three, who are most at risk from dangerous items, and shoppers should be wary of cheap copies of popular toys that may not meet UK safety standards. If something looks unsafe, trusting your instincts and sending it back.

Councillor Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: "Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but it's important that families are aware of the hidden dangers some products can pose. By shopping with trusted retailers and checking that gifts meet safety standards, we can all help keep children safe this festive season. I encourage everyone to take a moment to think about safety when buying presents - it could make all the difference."

Residents can report any fake or dangerous toys directly to Sunderland City Council using the following link: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/report-unsafe-gifts

For more advice on safe Christmas shopping and child safety, visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust website at www.capt.org.uk.