Dealers Briants of Risborough found themselves victim to the theft of two chainsaws this week - by a gang who have possibly targeted other dealerships.

Briants contacted Service Dealer to warn fellow dealers of the incident and to let them know to keep an eye out in case these men appear in their stores. The company has supplied some stills taken from their security cameras which show the individuals suspected.

A spokesperson for Briants said, "To any fellow chainsaw dealers and tree workers in the home counties, on Tuesday this week (June 17th) at 16:30 we were targeted by an organised gang during opening hours. We think they are part of the same gang who we escorted from site at a similar time last year.

"They parked away from site and were equipped with door alarm/security de-tagging devices and made off with a STIHL MS150TCE and MS441 chainsaw. All three are of white of heavy build and in tracksuit/hooded tops and baseball caps. Possibly of Eastern European descent. Keep your eyes peeled in store, they appear to be "shopping" to order.

"Serial numbers have been provided to the police and STIHL so the items will appear as stolen if worked on under warranty etc." 

Briants also said that having publicised the thefts on social media this week they have been advised that the same people are suspected to have stolen six chainsaws from Garden Machines Northampton back in early June. Having informed the police of this, Briants say the police are linking the events and possibly treating it as an organised crime.

Briants concluded, "It's difficult to politely convey how angry we are, but a massive thanks to some of our customers who offered their assistance at the time. Also the response we've seen from fellow dealers goes to show the power of social media."