Woman summonsed after doorstep salespeople target Whitnash

The 21-year-old was one of six people who had travelled from Nottingham to sell goods in the town on Tuesday (November 6).

Police seized a holdall containing cleaning products and a fake identity card.

Warwickshire Police had issued guidance to householders after increasing reports of door-to-door sellers cold calling and selling items such as kitchen gadgets and Christmas cards.

The force has warned there is evidence linking uncertificated salespeople and burglaries.

The doorstep sellers, some of whom say they are trying to rebuild their lives after being released from prison, travel to Warwickshire from other areas such as Nottingham.

Some produce a photocopied piece of paper which they describe as a ‘permit to work’, but this is not sufficient for them to operate as a door-to-door salesperson.

While it is not illegal to sell goods door-to-door police have reminded householders that anyone doing so must have a pedlar’s certificate which indicates that the person has had background checks made on them and that they are of good character.

The certificate, which they must show if asked, clearly shows the crest of the police force where it was issued, the name of the officer who approved it and includes the name, address and photograph of the holder.

Neighbourhood policing Supt Robert Musgrove said: “Pedlars certificates are valid for 12 months and are issued by the police force in the area in which the person lives.

“Before we issue a pedlar’s certificate we carry out checks on the applicant’s history to see if they are of good character and if they have any previous convictions. If they do, consideration will be given to what the convictions were for and whether they are suitable to work as a pedlar.

“We also ask what they intend to sell and we can check on the quality of their merchandise to ensure it is of a suitable quality.”

He added: “Our concern with people who ‘cold call’ at people’s homes offering goods for sale who do not have a current pedlar’s certificate is that they have not been checked by the police. While some door to door sellers may genuinely be trying to make a living, there is evidence of a correlation between uncertificated door to door sellers and burglaries at people’s homes.

“What easier way is there to check whether someone is at home, whether they are elderly or live alone, or if the property is unoccupied, than by knocking on the door?

“We do not want to scare people unnecessarily, but we do ask that you take every precaution when dealing with strangers who call at your door, and make sure your home is secure and as burglar-proof as possible.”

Warwickshire Police has issued the following advice to householders.

· The force has developed a card, which you can keep near the door, stating you do not answer the door to strangers.

· Always keep front and back doors locked, even when you are in the house, and ensure that side gates are kept locked.

· Put the security chain on before you open the door. Even if you are expecting someone – it may not be them.

· Ask to see their identity card or if they are selling goods, their Pedlars Certificate. Close the door and examine it inside your home. If the caller claims to be from an organisation find a number for the organisation or business in your telephone directory and call the company. Do not use the number on the card they have given you, as this could be answered by an accomplice.

· Genuine callers will not mind while you make these checks.

· Never invite a stranger into your home. If someone asks for a drink of water or something similar, close the door while you fetch it and let them drink it outside on the doorstep.

· Ask yourself if you really need to buy whatever they are selling. Do not feel obliged to purchase something.

If their selling techniques are forceful or you have suspicions about the person in the doorstep contact the police on 999.