Gardai say they now have information that bogus chainsaws and generators are now being sold across Donegal.
Sgt Paul Wallace has issued warning.
A number of weeks ago local Gardai issued a warning to the public regarding the possible advertising such items to unsuspecting customers.
These saws and generators are now being offered for sale local Gardai have learned this morning.
Items are being sold out of the back of vans by well dressed gentlemen with midlands accents who are moving throughout the county calling door to door.
At least one business in Donegal Town was offered such items last weekend.
The advice is ‘Buyer beware if it seems to be good to be true it usually is! ‘ warned Local Garda Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Paul Wallace.
‘The information we are receiving from the public is that these items are in sealed boxes with brand leader logos for example Honda and Husqvarna but these are replicas not the proper product. They are sold on a bartering method starting off at say… €1200 with the final price being as low as €200/ 250 so there is a message there.
“Don’t be conned, purchase locally where you are sure of what you are getting with a guarantee and back up that’s the advise plain and simple,” Sgt Wallace said.
Chainsaws for example offered on the market will be copy replicas of established market leaders but only have a operating life of only 40/ 45 hours. There is no back up, guarantee, quality and compliance with health and safety standards may also be in doubt.
The public should not to be duped by advertisements by unscrupulous persons who use authentic sales platforms to advertise these items.
The quality construction and design of equipment such as a chainsaw or an electricity generator is of paramount importance from an health and safety point of view and purchasers or users should not be ‘conned’ into purchase of sub standard equipment that does not reach industry and European norms.
It is important for the public to be aware that ‘ buyer beware’ as if you purchase equipment which is useless there is usually no comeback
Gardai would like to thank the public for contacting them and being vigilant in their communities.
Further Crime Prevention information – www.garda.ie
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