A pedlar has been cautioned for illegal street trading and for selling unsafe toys on Sutton High Street. George Armstrong of Walthamstow has accepted a caution for street trading without a licence and for selling toys that are unsafe for young children. The offences relate to illegal street trading under Section 38(1)(b) of the London Local Authorities Act 1990 as amended and the possession of unsafe toys under Section 12(1) of the Consumer Protection Act.

After receiving the caution Mr Armstrong voluntarily agreed to surrender his illegal stock to Sutton Council Trading Standards service for it to be destroyed and recycled.  Mr Armstrong was stopped from trading on Sutton High Street on 14 May, having received a large amount of advice and numerous warnings from Multidisciplinary Regulatory Officers in Sutton High Street. He had been advised that while trading as a pedlar he had to keep moving and not stay in the same spot for any amount of time. A problem was noted with toy dogs found in his possession as the eyes and noses were detached from some and marking on their bases was incorrect. Two samples were sent to Hampshire Scientific Services for testing under the Toy (Safety) Regulations 2011 and they subsequently failed the relevant test.

Mr Armstrong has had his trolley and accessories returned to him to allow him to continue to trade and earn a living.

Cllr Mary Burstow, Chair of the Licensing Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“Illegal traders take business away from our legitimate businesses and, as in this case, may be found to be selling potentially life-threatening goods. It’s great credit to our trading standards team who have managed to get these faulty goods off our streets.”