Homeowners in Bath are being advised by police to be aware about a group of door-to-door cleaning products sales people operating in the area.
There have been reports about people calling uninvited at homes in towns and villages since the beginning of July.
The group is believed to be based at an address in Bath, and places they have called at include Farrington Gurney, Midsomer Norton, Hallatrow, Pensford, Almondsbury, Old Sodbury and Chipping Sodbury.
On 6th August a 43-year-old man from Nottingham was arrested in Hinton Blewett for selling goods without a valid certificate. He was released with a caution.
Bath Sergeant Tony O’Brien said: “It is an offence to go knocking door-to-door trying to sell items if you have not been granted a Pedlars’ Certificate from the police.
“Even with a certificate it is not a practice that we encourage as elderly and vulnerable people can be intimidated by unwanted callers. We also believe that crime tends to rise in areas where these sales teams have been working.
“Our advice to people is to call us on 101 and to be very wary of anyone calling uninvited at your home and trying to sell you something. Always ask to check their official identity card, and only let them in if you are absolutely sure they are genuine. If in doubt – keep them out.”
Police have issued the following simple steps to protect you and your home from bogus callers:
- LOCK your front and back doors, even when you’re at home;
- STOP before you answer the door. Look through a spyhole or window;
- CHAIN your door if you do decide to open it;
- CHECK the caller’s identity card – all genuine callers will carry one.
For more information about doorstep crime, follow this link to information on the Avon and Somerset Police website.