Haul of faulty TVs seized from car

Officers from Staffordshire Police searched the vehicle in relation to an unrelated matter while it was parked on the Beach Hut car park at the rear of Toby Carvery.

On searching the vehicle, officers discovered 15 wrapped television sets which appeared to be new but on further investigation were found to be old broken units.

Police say they believe the televisions were intended for sale from the rear of the van to unsuspecting members of the public.

Residents have been warned not to buy items from the back of vans and are being urged to remain vigilant.

Sarah Davison, spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police, said: "During this type of scam the seller will show the victim new fully working television set and sell the item at a dramatically reduced price.

"Once the sale is agreed the seller will present the purchaser with a pre-wrapped television. Only when the purchaser unwraps their new television they find an old broken worthless set, not the item shown to them.

"If you're offered any item for sale under suspicious circumstances please decline and report it to police."

Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for the vehicle and its contents.

Cannock Councillor Hyra Sutton warned that if something is too good to be true, it usually is.

She said: "I would warn everyone to be very careful when they buy anything, if it is not from a reputable store.

"It may seem like a bargain, and bargains can be very tempting for people who don't have much money, but you have no guarantee, and you don't know if what you are buying is faulty or dangerous.

"You see a lot of items on Watchdog, and they can have harmful parts or simply not work, which would leave children very disappointed on Christmas day and by then the sellers are long gone, with your hard earned money."

It comes after trading standards officers seized a large haul of counterfeit goods at Bescot market in Walsall.

Sports clothing, fake headphones and trainers were part of the items confiscated.