Joint raid prevents supply of illegal power tools

Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards and West Mercia Constabulary combined forces last week and successfully removed more than 250 potentially unsafe power tools from entering the supply chain.

The joint operation came from intelligence gathered by both services and resulted in the seizure and removal of power tools from traders worth an estimated retail value of more than £18,000.

Mike Pigrem, Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Manager, said: “This is another example where joined-up working with outside agencies has paid dividends.

“The traders were selling BoschMann branded power tools from the back of their vehicles or by cold calling victims door to door, targeting people such as private DIY’ers and employees at building sites.

“Power tools including drills, sanders and routers were on sale indicating that they came from Germany, the origin of another well-known manufacturer, when in fact they came direct from China and the Far East.

“We also have reason to believe that the power tools are unsafe and fail Safety Regulations.”

Mike added: “Investigations into this matter are still on-going. Our advice for both consumers and businesses is only to purchase power tools from reputable sources, as buying inferior power tools - although saving you a small amount of money in the beginning - may endanger your life and that of others around you, or may damage your property.

“It’s not worth the risk.  Further, if the power tools are faulty, your rights of redress are limited as the trader will have moved on and, it is highly unlikely the warranty will be valid.”

Insp Robert Barnett, from West Mercia Constabulary, said: “This was an excellent collaborative effort between our two organisations and has dealt with a serious problem affecting the community. These tools were potentially lethal and have now been seized and will be disposed of appropriately.”

“If anyone has information about suspicious door to door sales or doorstep crime, please contact the police on 08457 444888 or use Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Anyone who is concerned over any power tools they have purchased from itinerant traders or any other doorstep crime issue should contact Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards team on 0845 330 3313 or West Mercia Constabulary on 08457 444 888 (or ring 999 in an emergency).