Operation targets fake Labubu dolls over safety fears

A recent Trading Standards operation saw over 2,000 illicit items seized from city centre stores

- By OSCAR FISHER

A PLUSH toy rising in popularity across the globe has attracted hundreds of knock off counterfeits across Derby city centre and the council has warned the public that they pose a real safety risk.

A recent Trading Standards operation saw over 2,000 illicit items seized from city centre stores but one fake trendy doll was particularly common.

The operation targeted fake Labubu dolls, which have soared in popularity in recent months thanks to social media trends.

The elf-like dolls were created by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, but counterfeit versions have hit the shelves across the city, prompting warnings from the Derby City Council Trading Standards team for shoppers to “be wary”.

The counterfeit dolls carry very serious risks, including possible choking and health hazards.