IF IN doubt keep them out.
That is the message from Warwickshire Police and Stratford District Council who are encouraging people to report suspicious door-to-door salesmen.
They say this time of year can see a spike in the number of incidents of so-called ‘doorstep crimes’ including distraction burglaries, bogus officials, high pressure selling, rogue traders and cold callers.
And they are urging people to be vigilant while reminding residents door to door peddlers require identity in the form of a peddlers certificate.
If they do not have one it is likely they could be acting illegally.
Legitimate sellers will have a certificate issued by the police chief constable, complete with photograph, which is valid for one year only.
But if a seller shows a laminated piece of paper saying Hawker Certificate, it is not valid and should not be accepted.
Call police on 101 – or 999 in an emergency – to report any suspicious activity.
