Police today warned a steering wheel lock shaped like a baseball bat on sale in Basildon could become a lethal weapon.
They said they would give "serious consideration" to prosecuting anyone found outside a vehicle with the device for possessing an offensive weapon.
The BillyBat - named after the American nickname for a police truncheon - is on sale at the Basildon QD store in the town centre for £18.99.
Security device - but police believe the BillyBat could be used as a weapon Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
While performing the usual functions of a car steering wheel security lock, it also features a rubber grip and a wider, exposed metal bat-end, making it the size and shape of a small baseball bat.
An Essex Police spokeswoman said there was concern the heavy steel "bat" could be used in a deadly attack.
"The device, with its 'cushioned handle', clearly infers a dual use and the potential for it to be used as a lethal weapon gives Essex Police great cause for concern," she said today.
A spokeswoman for QD said the store had the right to sell the device. She said: "We've stocked this product for two years, it has been available nationwide for five years. As with all our products, it was approved by Trading Standards before going on sale."
The BillyBat is manufactured by American car security company Unelko.
A spokesman for the company was unavailable for comment.
Published Friday, January 3, 2003
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