Fraudsters capitalizing on a playground craze were dealt a blow by trading standards officers after 100 boxes of faux loom bands were seized.

The DIY accessories, which are made by looping together tiny plastic bands, are all the rage for young children however police have noticed that crooks are shifting cheap knock-offs of the world-wide sensation.

During a day of action, officers seized a huge batch of fake, imitation products on Wednesday last week from one of three shops raided in Queensbury Circle, Stanmore, with the bands missing either the proper importers details or English-language instructions.

Loom bands, the playground craze

Councillor Varsha Parmar (Labour), cabinet member for environment, crime and community safety, said: “I know parents are pestered by their children for loom bands, but it’s important to know you are buying the proper item.

"It’s often the case that what seems like a bargain at the time can end up costing more in the long run when it turns into a product that falls apart.”

Officers working as part of Harrow Council’s safer streets programme also seized 600 cigarettes imported without tax paid and hundreds of bottles of wine, beer and spirits.

The seized items will now be destroyed.