Police alert over bogus chainsaws con
Conmen have been trying to sell knock-off chainsaws near the Shropshire border.
The rogue salesmen, touting falsely branded tools believed to be cheap imports from China, have been sighted in several towns on both Monday and Wednesday this week.
West Mercia Police has issued a warning to those thinking of buying bargain power tools to be cautious and report anything suspicious.
The reports have come from the length of the south Shropshire border, mainly from the Leominster area including sightings in the town itself as well as Bodenham, Stoke Prior and Stoke Lacy.
But reports have also come from as far as Kington on the Welsh border, Hereford, and Warndon in Worcester.
Detective Inspector Ross Jones, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are working with Trading Standards to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding these reports. At this stage we are keeping an open mind and ask the public to get in touch with any information which could assist the investigation."
"There is no evidence to suggest that the reported sale of these items poses any wider threat to the public but we do ask that if anyone has seen anything suspicious or has been approached with similar items in the area to get in touch."
Tim Thorne, principal Trading Standards officer, added: "We are aware that the sellers are falsely claiming the chainsaws are manufactured in Germany by Stihl, one of the leading brands.
"In fact they are not and are most likely cheap imports from China, worth very little and with no guarantee over the crucial safety features every chainsaw must have.
"Far from getting a bargain, you are actually being deceived and putting your safety at risk.
"Chainsaws should only ever be purchased from reputable retailers. In addition you will obviously not be able to obtain a refund from these sellers in the event of the items being faulty."
Call police on 101 or ring the Trading Standards Consumer Advice line on 03454 040506.
