More than 800 fake Labubu dolls seized in Penkridge as council warns of 'dangerous' fake traders
The council seized the dolls from traders on Penkridge Market.
Staffordshire County Council has warned against buying fake Labubu dolls after seizing over 800 counterfeit and dangerous toys from traders at Penkridge Market on Pinfold Lane, Penkridge.
The council's trading standards team descended onto the popular marketplace on Wednesday, August 20, following a tip-off about the illegal dolls.
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Labubu dolls, an elf-like created by Chinese toy makers Pop Mart, surged in popularity in 2023, with illegal copies appearing in market places ever since.
Around 840 fake Labubu dolls, including dolls, keyrings, bags, and accessories, were seized from a number of traders on the market, as well as a further 200 counterfeit Lububu branded accessories, including keyrings, bags, and clothes.
Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are determined to crack down on counterfeiters and people who think it is acceptable to sell fake and harmful goods to the public, like these knock-off Labubu dolls.
"Counterfeit products aren’t just a con - they can be dangerous to your health, your safety, and your community. Every fake sold puts people at risk and takes money from honest local businesses. When you’re shopping, especially at markets or car boot sales, think twice. If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
The council warned that the poor-quality imitations can be broken 'quite easily', and pose a choking hazard to children.
The Trading Standards team also seized 46 counterfeit Apple AirPods and 143 illegal vapes.
The seizure also comes after Walsall Council seized around £2,000 worth of fake Labubu toys and accessories from shops around Walsall town centre on Thursday, August 14.
