The lights carried a risk of electric shock if touched
Shoppers are being warned about “too good to be true” bargains, after more than 30 boxes of potentially lethal Christmas lights were confiscated from a shop in Westminster. The “flimsy” lights carried a risk of electric shock as live parts were easily accessible, according to a laboratory report.
Sold at a store in Queensway, trading standards officers took away 33 sets of the Christmas string lights, as well as 26 adaptors.
Great Value Store director, Abdul Hamidi, admitted six offences under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 when he appeared before Westminster magistrates. The case was adjourned for reports, and Mr Hamidi is due to be sentenced on August 19th.
Cllr Caroline Sargent, Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, said: “Anyone buying these Christmas decorations could find their home lit up in more ways than the obvious.
“These lights were so badly made they exposed the user to the risk of electric shock and fire. The problem with bargains too good to be true is they are often shoddily made and unsafe, and these Christmas lights were not going to fill anyone with festive cheer.
“Our trading standards officers will keep doing their job to ensure Westminster shoppers get safe and legal products”.
The laboratory report categorised the lights, which carry the trade name Guida, as a “high risk” product.
They did not meet certain regulatory standards, with the plug and fuse considered to be counterfeit.
How to stay safe when buying products
Trading Standards advises anyone shopping for Christmas lights to ask themselves if a bargain is too good to be true.
Buyers should also check for safety markings, such as the CE and UKCA.
It has also told consumers to check if they have heard of the brand and if the packaging looks cheap.
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