Council seizes nearly two thousand unsafe toys in Cleethorpes

Trading Standards have taken significant action to protect children from unsafe toys in Cleethorpes, with 1,717 items confiscated from stores across the borough.

The seized toys include counterfeit action figures, stuffed toys, and squishes, many lacking safety marks and featuring poor construction such as unsafe battery storage and precarious electrical wiring, posing choking hazards.

Inspections were executed over several weeks, with the largest haul occurring during the enforcement activity at Cleethorpes Armed Forces weekend, where approximately 750 items were removed due to safety concerns.

Children's toys must comply with British Standards and bear CE marks indicating conformity with essential safety standards.

Councillor James Sawkins, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, commented on the importance of these actions.

“It’s quite surprising just how many unsafe toys have been seized. The team have done an excellent job in ensuring the safety of visitors and residents – something that is a priority for myself and the Council,” Sawkins said.

He further urged vigilance among shoppers.

“If a toy is cheaper than usual, it’s very likely it hasn’t undergone the same safety testing that a reputable company would do on their products."

Trading Standards services are focused on identifying and removing potentially harmful products, such as "squishy" toys which have received attention due to risks posed by chemical content.

To report suspicions of fraudulent products, contact Trading Standards via email at [email protected] or by calling (01472) 326299, option 3.