PEOPLE in Warrington are being urged to be cautious if about to purchase potentially dangerous tools – such as chainsaws.
Trading Standards chiefs are warning that throughout the country there has been an increase in sales of counterfeit power tools, including chainsaws.
Officers consider chainsaws to be a particular safety hazard as they have not been subject to stringent safety checks and do not feature the safety features found on the genuine articles.
Peter Astley, public protection manager for the borough council, said: “The sale of counterfeit goods undermines local retailers trying to make an honest living, and the sale of counterfeits also helps fund more serious criminal activity by those further up the supply chain.
“This matter is of further concern due to the potential danger posed by these items and we would urge anyone who has purchased one of these chainsaws not to use it.”
He said the chainsaws bear the trademark Stihl and are commonly sold directly to customers, such as door-to-door or at car boot sales. Further details are on www.tswarrington.co.uk
