BEWARE of Santa Claws!
That was the message today from consumer watchdogs in West Yorkshire- on the trail of dangerous Christmas presents.
Trading Standards officers today warned consumers to be wary of purchasing apparently cheap stocking fillers from street traders in the run up to Christmas after carrying out an operation within West Yorkshire.
The operation, dubbed "Santa Claws", involved officers patrolling town centre areas of West Yorkshire during late night shopping.
A total of 1,500 flashing dummies and other pendants which pose safety risks if they get into the hands of younger children were seized.
The pendants are brightly coloured, come in various designs and are being sported by clubbers, but are also attractive to younger children whose parents may not be aware of the risks they pose.
A Trading Standards spokesman said: "Small parts are easily detached from the pendants and easy access can be gained to the batteries posing choking and more serious risks if a child were to put them in their mouth."
More than 1,000 items of counterfeit jewellery, socks, and mobile phone accessories were also seized bearing the current most fashionable brand names including Lacoste, Burberry, Prada, Playboy, Gucci, Nike and Louis Vuitton.
Kirklees councillor Tony Brice of the Trading Standards Committee said: "Counterfeiters hit consumers and legitimate businesses alike, and there is evidence that many are linked to more large scale organised crimes.
"My advice to anyone tempted to buy something that looks like a designer bargain is think again.
"Counterfeit goods are inferior quality and are never good value for money."
