FALSELY branded chainsaws being sold to the public are causing concern for the police.
West Mercia Police is warning residents not to buy chainsaws from anyone but reputable companies following reports of the tools being sold in Hereford and Worcester under false brands.
Officers were informed about incidents in Warndon on Wednesday (June 17) following the reports of sales in neighbouring cities on Monday (June 15).
Det Insp Ross Jones, who is leading the investigation, said: “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.
Anyone who may have been sold one of these items or has information, is urged to contact the police on the non emergency number 101 or the Trading Standards Consumer Advice line on 0345 4040506.
