Bogus call reminder

As nights get lighter there can be an increase in the number of people who may try and call at your doorstep. Darker nights make many people feel more vulnerable and they are more reluctant to open their door but this can become less of a concern during the summer, allowing cold callers to work later into the evenings with a better chance of someone opening their door.

It is therefore a worthwhile time to remind members that they should refrain from buying any goods and services from their doorstep. Ideally, if someone knocks at your property, take a look who it is through a spy-hole or window prior to opening the door if possible, if you don't recognise them keep your door shut. Although this may appear rude, by keeping your door closed you are protecting yourself and your property as the caller does not get the chance to start their pitch and the door creates a secure barrier between them and you. Don't worry if someone sees you checking and knock several times, remember it is your front door and your choice if you open it.

People who are trying to sell goods and services will normally do so in a couple of ways. They will offer their credentials as being part of a legitimate company and proceed to offer you goods and services, often with special on the spot deals. It is very hard during a brief door step exchange to ascertain if someone is genuine - all callers, whether genuine or not, will have a well rehearsed sales pitch and are often good at delivering this and those that are not genuine are very believable. If you require any goods and services find your own companies by taking recommendations, getting and comparing several quotes and looking for companies accredited under trade awards. This also gives you chance to think about and research which option is suitable for you as opposed to being pressured into an on the spot decision on your doorstep. They may also try and sell you goods by means of making you sympathetic towards them such as in the case of people claiming to be ex offenders trying to reform or individuals stating they have a disability and are trying to sell goods to support themselves - these individuals are not genuine but have stories designed to illicit sympathy and therefore make a sale.

Such callers can be quite mobile and can circulate around the county with examples cropping up throughout of Cheshire. Two recent good examples to be mindful of are as follows - both happening within Cheshire East area on 09/05/2011 at approx 14:45.

•In the Lear Drive area of Crewe a resident noticed 2 males knocking on doors on both sides of the street in hi-vis jackets with tanned complexions in their early 20’s. When challenged as to what they were doing they claimed that they were offering gardening services but had no ID or paperwork on them. They claimed that their van was parked around the corner out of sight.
•In the Sadler’s Close area of Holmes Chapel a male was reported as knocking on doors trying to sell paintings to residents. He passed a note to householders who opened their doors claiming to be deaf and dumb. He was reported as acting in a suspicious manner, loitering around the area which has a number of elderly residents by the caller.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary or suspicious in your area that causes you concern please contact the police directly via 0845 458 0000 to report at the time.