Fresh warning after a thousand ‘dangerous’ laptop leads found heading for Upton Park
Dangerous laptop leads were seized by Trading Standards. - Credit: Archant
Trading Standards is targeting faulty laptop leads after a thousand “dangerous” products were stopped from reaching the borough in a joint swoop.
Newham officers teamed up with Essex County Council’s forces last year to seize a package at Stansted Airport containing a huge haul of potentially dangerous leads that were destined for a house in the Green Street area of Upton Park.
The popular technology accessories, used to charge portable computers, have been found on the market without proper protection against live parts or correct wiring insulation and safety experts fear they could cause fires.
Tranding Standards carried out a laboratory test on one sample which revealed dangerous circuits and a lack of safety markings.
Officers also suspect these dangerous laptop chargers are being imported illegally and the counterfeit items are circulating technology markets in the UK and Europe.
Following the confiscation 1,000 faulty leads heading for Newham, Cllr Unmesh Desai, executive member for crime and anti-social behaviour, is issuing a fresh warning to residents to buy from reputable retailers and report unsafe goods so they can be taken off the shelves before they spark a disaster.
Cllr Desai said: “Make no mistake these are dangerous leads. Computer users – many of them children – could be put at risk.
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“We take crime very seriously in Newham and this was a crime. We simply won’t tolerate it. It is totally unacceptable – and we won’t accept it.
“We will remain ever vigilant for other dangerous items. Our enforcement never stops.”
If spotted, faulty laptop leads should be reported to Consumer Direct by calling 08454 040 506 or by visiting www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.
