Middlesbrough Trading Standards officers seize fake toys

More than 400 fake toys were seized in the run-up to Christmas, a local authority has said.

Middlesbrough Council said Trading Standards officers confiscated “potentially unsafe” counterfeit items at three temporary stalls in the town centre and Coulby Newham.

Toys included fake versions of popular brands such as KPop Demon Hunters and Labubu dolls.

Judith Hedgley, head of public protection at the council, said: “It’s likely that in the last-minute present dash these illegal toys would have been bought by families and ended up underneath the tree.”

The popular toys have become a global sensation but statistics from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) show about 259,000 fakes – worth about £3.5m – were seized at the UK border in 2025, with fake Labubu dolls making up 90% of the number.

The council said counterfeit goods avoid the legal controls which protect consumers including toy safety regulations.

It said the “dangerous” items pose various safety hazards to children, while supply routes are often linked to organised crime.

Councillor Ian Blades, the council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “This swift action by Trading Standards has protected consumers from unscrupulous traders trying to spoil Christmas for consumers in Middlesbrough.

“Our officers defend legitimate businesses to ensure Middlesbrough has a vibrant, safe economy, while protecting our residents from fake and potentially unsafe goods.”