BATH - Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard urges those with infants and small children to be aware of the growing trend of "knock-off" car seat sales. Typically sold from on-line merchants, the car seats are often made of flimsy plastic, and often feature plastic buckles, instead of metal ones, and missing parts.
The bogus car seats do not provide registration cards or owner's manual as well, according to national reports. "This is one of the worst kinds of fraud," Allard said. "People buy these seats because they want to keep their children safe and instead they put their kids in danger. "If you have a question concerning a specific seat, please contact Sgt. Matt Sorge at 607 622- 3901. One of our certified car seat technicians can answer questions about age and size appropriate seats. Remember, if any deal seems too good to be true, it probably is." The Sheriff’s Department conducts regular child car seat safety checks with the next set for 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday at the 200th Steuben County Fair. Income-eligible families in Steuben may apply for child car seats for newborns, infants and toddlers through the sheriff’s "Play IT Safe" project. The project is a collaboration between the sheriff, county Public Health Department and Healthy Families Steuben. More information is available by calling (607) 622-3911.
