Alert as thousands of dangerous toys seized in Newham

In one of Newham Trading Standards' biggest-ever hauls, officers confiscated about 2,000 toys. They include unsafe flashing babies' dummies, children's neckties which light up, toy dogs, rabbits and airplanes, puffer balls and sabre lights.

The illegal toys, which do not have safety warnings, are shoddily made and readily fall apart. Some reveal sharp metal spikes and nails and others have cords and balls which could easily choke a young child to death.

Officers targeted a house in the borough which was being used as a storehouse. The address, in the Stratford area, has not been revealed for legal reasons and the toys are being independently tested.

Now officers, who suspect the toys were smuggled into the country in huge quantities by organised gangs operating from mainland China, are urging the Newham public to be vigilant.

And they warn similar toys are being sold across the UK.

Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "This is a great result for the council, the result of excellent, intelligence-led work by our officers."

"How can these criminals justify putting children in danger for money? We are not going to let it happen. They are putting things out there that can maim or even kill."

Newham Trading Standards officers have given the following advice to parents:

• All toys must carry a 'CE' mark and the manufacturer's address. There should also be adequate user instructions. The CE mark certifies that a product has met EU consumer safety, health or environmental requirements
• Buy toys that are suitable for the age of the child. This is extremely important when buying for children under three years old.
• Toys should be purchased from reputable sellers where they can be returned if any problems occur.
• Pay attention to any warning notices on the packaging or labels, and keep safety instructions for reference.

Special safeguards for battery operated toys:

• Make sure that batteries are inserted the right way round with the correct polarity, do not mix new and used or different types.
• Use the correct charger for the size and type of rechargeable battery and always remove rechargeable batteries from the toy before recharging them

To report unsafe toys and goods to Consumer Direct phone 08454 04 05 06 or visit their website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.