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Fake Dyson hairdryers that 'melted and smoked' among 350,000 dangerous goods seized

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk Trading Standards has intercepted hundreds of thousands of dangerous products at the Port of Felixstowe in 2024, including potentially lethal fake electrical items and unsafe children's toys.

Why it matters: The seizures highlight the scale of dangerous goods attempting to enter the UK market through Suffolk's ports, with many items posing serious safety risks to consumers.

By the numbers:

  • 349,000 consumer goods checked and refused entry

  • 74,565 unsafe toys intercepted

  • 104,983 electrical goods stopped

  • 62,815 lighting kits blocked, with about 45% being Christmas lights

  • 8,965 e-scooters prevented from entering the market

The big picture: The Port of Felixstowe serves as a major gateway for goods entering the UK, with trading standards officers working to prevent unsafe items from reaching consumers. However, officials warn some dangerous products still manage to slip through.

Fake Dyson hairdryers posed serious safety risks
Fake Dyson hairdryers posed serious safety risksSuffolk Trading Standards

Details: Among the most concerning finds were 500 counterfeit Dyson hair dryers that posed serious safety risks. During testing, the products:

  • Overheated and began smoking

  • Started melting both internally and externally

  • Had incorrectly rated plugs

  • Featured fuses that failed to meet British safety standards

What they're saying: "The Port of Felixstowe is a huge gateway to the UK and our officers work extremely hard to intercept these dangerous items before they reach the marketplace," said Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards.

Of note: Many of the seized items were destined for sale through third-party sellers on online marketplaces.

How to help: Consumers who spot potentially dangerous goods can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Bottom line: While trading standards officers are intercepting significant quantities of unsafe goods, consumers are being urged to remain vigilant, particularly when shopping online during the festive period.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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