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Trading Standards seizes 1,800 dangerous batteries and chargers in East of England

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

More than 1,800 dangerous replacement batteries and chargers have been removed from sale following a major Trading Standards investigation across the East of England.

Why it matters: The crackdown comes as fire services report an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and chargers found in common household devices like laptops, mobile phones and power tools.

The big picture: Trading Standards services from nine local authorities tested 22 items purchased primarily from online marketplaces:

  • All items failed to provide legally required information

  • 13 failed basic safety tests, presenting risks of electric shock, fire and explosion

  • One charger purchased by Suffolk Trading Standards from eBay was found to have serious safety failings that could lead to electric shock, fire or explosion

  • Products were removed from major platforms, including Amazon and eBay

Lithium-ion batteries on a wooden table
More than 1,800 dangerous replacement batteries and chargers have been removed from sale following a major Trading Standards investigation across the East of EnglandAlexLMXGetty Images

What you can do: Trading Standards advises residents to:

  • Buy only from trusted sellers

  • Use manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers

  • Follow product instructions carefully

  • Never leave charging batteries unattended

  • Avoid overcharging or overloading sockets

How to report: Residents who believe they have purchased unsafe products can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

Bottom line: Consumers should only buy replacement batteries and chargers from trusted sellers, always use manufacturer-recommended products, and never leave devices charging unattended or overnight. If in doubt about a product's safety, contact Trading Standards through Citizens Advice.

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

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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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

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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

We can't do this without you!

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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