Fake Labubu dolls seized in village market raid

21 August 2025

Alex McIntyre,BBC News, West Midlandsand

Tania Sangha,BBC Midlands Today

News image — About 840 counterfeit Labubu dolls were seized at Penkridge Market

BBC A display on a market stall of counterfeit Labubu dolls, most are in their boxes. A pink paper sign gives prices as £8 for one and £15 for two. — About 840 counterfeit Labubu dolls were seized at Penkridge Market

About 840 fake Labubu dolls have been seized at a village market amid warnings they could be unsafe for children.

Officers from Trading Standards discovered the counterfeit products on a number of stalls during a raid at Penkridge Market in Penkridge, Staffordshire, on Wednesday.

The dolls were seized alongside 200 counterfeit Labubu accessories including key rings, bags and fake branded clothes.

Penkridge Market said it had a close working relationship with Trading Standards and would "endeavour to keep the market a safe space".

Tony Shore, operations manager at Trading Standards, told BBC Midlands Today the fake products were sold "quite cheaply" and their market value was a lot less than the genuine dolls.

"They might appear to be a good deal but from the point of view of the children, there's a risk to them – like choking hazards or toxic paint," he said.

"It's a product that isn't made as well as the genuine article so it's likely to fall to pieces."

Trading Standards A man stands behind a number of large clear plastic bags containing colourful counterfeit dolls. A van is parked on the right and people can be seen milling around a market in the background. — Tony Shore said the counterfeit dolls could be unsafe for children

Labubu dolls, an elf-like doll created by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, surged in popularity last year and cheap counterfeits have been appearing ever since.

Councillor Anthony Screen, of Staffordshire County Council, said the authority was "determined" to crack down on counterfeit products "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," he said.

"Every fake sold puts people at risk and takes money from honest local businesses."

Trading Standards A number of fake Labubu dolls of different colours displayed on a market stall table in various colours and boxes. — Trading Standards said it would either destroy the items or store them as evidence

During the raid, Trading Standards officers also seized 46 counterfeit Apple Air Pods and 143 illegal vapes from various traders.

Matthew Williams, manager at Penkridge Market, said: "We have a close working relationship with trading standards.

"We'll report anything we think is not legitimate and endeavour to keep the market a safe space and counterfeit-free as possible."

The products seized will either be stored as evidence or destroyed, the council confirmed, and background checks on the traders would also be carried out.

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