Warning over sales of dangerous fake power tools in East Lancashire (From Chorley Citizen)

Warning over sales of dangerous fake power tools in East Lancashire

9:00am Sunday 3rd March 2013 in East Lancashire

TRADING Standards officers and police are warning that power tools including nail guns and chainsaws being sold door-to-door could be dangerous fakes.

Several reports were received on Thursday (28 February) of people trying to sell the tools on the doorstep throughout East Lancashire.

Inspector John Fryer, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "These saws came to the attention of police officers after it was reported they were being sold to rural properties door-to-door.

"We are unsure as to the quality of these products and would urge anyone who purchased one of these saws to have it checked as to its safety."

The items on sale included chainsaws and nail guns.

County trading standards boss Albert Atkinson, who represents Ribble Valley North East, said: "We're very concerned at these products being sold as we do not know anything about their safety and whether or not they are genuine.

“We haven’t had any mishaps reported yet but we are trying to prevent potentially dangerous situations occurring as a result of problems with the tools' safety and reliability.

“We would urge people to look out for anyone in a van offering these kinds of products. These sellers can be quite persuasive, insistent and pushy but don’t be pressurized into buying something you're not sure of.

"Legitimate power tools will usually have a moulded plug, not a household plug or foreign plug, and will come with a safety manual.

"Paying cash on the doorstep means you won't be able to get your money back or track down the seller if there's a problem and we would urge against it."