RCMP Seize Counterfeit Hair Styling Irons from London Salon

LONDON , ON, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - On Thursday, December 17th, 2009 members of the London RCMP Detachment executed a search warrant at a hair salon located in London and seized a number of suspected counterfeit hairstyling irons. The products were in black boxes labelled as CHI Ceramic Hairstyling Irons.

The RCMP launched an investigation earlier this month after receiving a complaint from a London resident who had purchased a hairstyling iron from a London Salon. The purchaser believed that the product was an authentic CHI(R) brand hairstyling iron from Farouk Systems, Inc. After the hairstyling iron stopped working it was returned by the London resident to Farouk Systems, Inc. where it was determined to be counterfeit.

This investigation is ongoing. As of yet, no charges have been laid.

"Counterfeit products such as the one being investigated in this incident don't have Canadian Safety Standards approval. These products are a potential fire hazard, which could fail and seriously hurt someone", stated Inspector Dwight Blok , Officer in Charge of RCMP London Detachment. "Counterfeit goods are a huge problem and they are becoming more widely available."

Some tips that may help consumers this holiday season: Be suspicious about bargains. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Find out if you have any guarantees or after-sales service. Examine the quality of the goods. Check labels and packaging for misspellings and poor logos. Take extra care at markets or other venues where it may be more difficult to get in touch with the vendor after the purchase.

The RCMP gives the highest priority to investigations involving counterfeit products with health and safety implications. Police will continue to be vigilant during the holiday season.

Anyone with information regarding the sale and /or manufacturing of counterfeit merchandise is asked to contact the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-265-4444.

For further information: Cpl. Darren Morgan, Media Relations Officer, RCMP "O" Division, Office: [phone] ext. 230, Cell: [phone]