A campaign against counterfeit power tools is increasing the number of prosecutions against traders who sell them.

Media coverage of the campaign, launched by the UK Power Tool Alliance Against Counterfeits (PTAAC), has helped instigate more police and private investigations, with information being provided on individuals and locations where the sale of falsely branded power tools has been witnessed.

Andrew Bowden, Makita technical manager and PTAAC chairman, said: “Our campaign is making people aware that these counterfeit tools have such poor performance and short life that the purchase is a total waste of hard-earned money rather than a saving.”

&#8220Our campaign is making people aware that these counterfeit tools have such poor performance and short life that the purchase is a total waste of hard-earned money rather than a saving”

Andrew Bowden, Makita technical manager and PTAAC chairman

The PTAAC, formed by power tool giants including Bosch, Black & Decker and Makita, is preparing a poster campaign to expand campaign awareness.