Warning over 'stocking filler killers'

Trading standards officer Andy Bustin shows off some Christmas shockers

A Santa's grotto full of potentially lethal gifts has been set up by trading standards officials to highlight the danger of dodgy Christmas gifts.

They are targeting cowboy traders who sell counterfeit and illegal goods to unsuspecting customers looking for seasonal bargains.

Among the gifts on show that could end up ruining Christmas are a counterfeit version of the hugely popular Micro Scooter and fake Pokemon watches which have removable pieces which could be choking hazards.

Rogue traders are always looking for the next way of making money, regardless of the consequences

Allan Charlesworth
Trading Standards Institute

Allan Charlesworth, chief executive of the Trading Standards Institute, said: "Rogue traders are always looking for the next way of making money, regardless of the consequences to unsuspecting customers."

Trading standards officials and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group set up a "grotty grotto" in London full of goods they had already seized.

The grotto was manned by a "Seedy Santa" who was surrounded by the illegal toys and presents.

"Our grotty grotto is stocked with items which have actually been

Sharp edges on scooters can cause serious injury

"Thankfully these particular goods are no longer available to harm a child or to rip off members of the public.

"However, experience tells us that this is just the tip of the iceberg."

One of the top presents this Christmas is bound to be the Micro Scooter which has become the latest teenage fashion accessory.

They hit the headlines when a 15-year-old boy trapped his finger in the folding mechanism of a popular 900 R TT model.

The incident sparked a number of complaints from parents whose children needed surgery to save fingers.

Pokemon cards: Popular with counterfeiters

Among other stocking chillers are counterfeit Levi jeans, Fila sports clothes, Moschino bags and Rolex watches.

The Trading Standards Institute advises anyone buying toys to examine them carefully, particularly for items which could become detached and choke or cut a child.

It also warns shoppers to be wary of goods sold at car boot sales, street markets, short-term lease High Street shops, pubs or clubs.