POLICE and Trading Standards are warning people in West Devon to be wary of 'bargain' tools being sold from vehicles.

People in the Okehampton and Tavistock areas have been targeted.

A number of calls have been received by police from people who have been offered generators, chainsaws and other power tools as well as a set of kitchen knives.

Sales tactics have been described variously as 'persistent', 'pushy', 'intimidating' and 'aggressive' and police have had a number of calls from people who have been offered goods and were very concerned about the approach taken.

Police said there are various reasons why goods are offered cheap, including stolen goods, but that is not thought to be the case in this instance.

Police said it is likely that these are cheap imports from other parts of the world and do not comply with the necessary safety regulations.

A police spokesperson said: 'Buying a chainsaw that may fall apart or a generator that produces all kinds of toxic emissions is really not recommended. In addition, some goods may be forgeries — sub-standard goods with details added on to make them look like a recognised brand.

'Anyone who has bought these goods may find themselves struggling to assert their rights to return them as the paperwork — if there is any — is often very professional looking but completely fictional.'