Warning to residents after increase of doorstep sellers

Police have called on residents to be vigilant after an increase of reports about unwarranted callers going door to door trying to sell different things.

Officers said that the sellers have falsely claimed to be reformed criminals on a probation service rehabilitation scheme and are mostly trying to sell cleaning products, tea towels and laundry items.

There have been a number of reports of groups of people working in Newport, Edgmond and Ironbridge over the last two weeks as well as villages around Shrewsbury.

Constable Lee Thomas from West Mercia Police said: "There are clear rules about anyone who is going door to door selling items.

"In most cases they will require either a Pedlars certificate or a Street Traders licence which they must show to a householder and also to the police, council and certain other bodies on demand.

"If they fail to do so they instantly commit an offence for which they can be sent to court.

"In all of the cases reported to us, the people involved in these activities have not been local and have had very distinctive accents, having been driven hundreds of miles to ply their wares in our villages.

"Our advice to residents is very simple and all they have to remember is the word SACK.

"Stop, don't let anyone you don't know into your home.

"Ask for identification.

"Check its authenticity - not by calling any number on the card you are presented with but by using directory enquiries or the internet to get the correct details.

"Keep them out until you are satisfied the caller is genuine."

PC Thomas added that anyone concerned about a caller to their home or anyone who feels pressurised into buying items they do not want should call the police straight away on 101.

He said: "Unfortunately the majority of the messages we have received about the recent activities locally have been days after the event.

"This makes it extremely difficult for us to locate the people involved and deal with any matters or crimes that are being committed, or equally as importantly, to prevent any further issues arising.

"I cannot impress enough how important it is to call the police when these incidents are taking place. It is not wasting our time but could be helping keep local communities safer."