Warning over doorstep fake tool sales in East Lancashire

Several reports have been receivedof 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.”

County Councillor Albert Atkinson, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council with responsibility for Trading Standards, 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.”