Two town centre retailers are under investigation after a number of unsafe toys were seized by trading standards officers.
Trading Standards were initially called to one town centre business following reports from GMP that age restricted products (ball bearing ‘BB’ guns) were being sold to underage youths.
On entering the premises, trading standards officers were also concerned about a wide range of products which appeared not to comply with toy safety regulations.
Both the BB guns and the toys were seized and are being investigated.
Another town centre retailer is also under investigation for selling suspected unsafe toys after trading standards officers seized the suspect goods.
Trading Standards carry out safety inspections to identify clothing, toys and other products that do not meet UK safety requirements and could therefore cause harm.
Toys must comply to legal safety standards and be labelled correctly. Toys that are not suitable for children under three require a warning to this effect that states the reason why - for example, choking hazard.
Cllr Hilary Fairclough, the council's executive member for regulatory services, said: "Protecting consumers from being sold items that aren’t safe is a key part of our enforcement work.
"Selling substandard toys and age restricted goods to children can have serious consequences and put lives at risk. It doesn’t bear thinking about a baby or young child choking on one of these toys.
“Many families will be enjoying days out over the summer and perhaps purchasing toys from places they haven’t visited before. I urge all parents and grandparents to be vigilant when purchasing toys for little ones. Ensure they are CE or UKCA marked and have age appropriate guidance.”
These crimes will not be tolerated, and anyone found selling such items will be prosecuted.”
If you are a consumer who is concerned with the safety of any goods you have bought, please contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506 or visit their website.
If you are a business and would like advice on the safety of any goods you are intending to supply, please contact us.