The Oxhill News

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Beware of ....

Doorstep Callers & Peddlers following suspicious incidents across the county. Please can we make you aware that over the last week or so there have been 26 reported suspicious incidents involving peddlers or door to door sellers.

These peddlers are occasionally also known as Nottingham Doorknockers and they have been busy at homes across Warwickshire in recent weeks. A large quantity of them do in fact come from the Nottingham area. They are generally dropped off in an area in gangs and sell household items. Many now seem to confess to being ex-offenders, perhaps trying to astound and disarm you with their honesty!

The appearance of these doorstep sellers is believed to be possibly linked to burglaries and other incidents in the areas targeted. These callers should always have a peddlers certificate with them and, if they do, most of the time, they are not committing a directoffence. However, if you buy items from these people you are likely to be obtaining low quality goods at an inflated price. A much worse outcome is they have a good look at your property with a view to coming back and committing a burglary.

Our advice is don't buy from door to door salesmen.

Police are carrying out operations in several areas of the county and need your help to identify where these peddlers are operating.

If you see them in your area, or have one call at your home, please contact Police on 101 and report the incident. Police will endeavour to attend the area and to speak to the callers and check that they have necessary Peddlers Certificates. If you are harassed or verbally abused by a caller then please call 999.

Thank you

Julie Dale
Watch Co-ordinator
Community Protection

GOOD MORNING READER,

We have had a lot of calls and emails regarding cold callers and how to know if they are genuine and how to prevent against.

Check ID Properly – check the phone number matches the number in the yellow pages, phone Directory Enquiries or keep a list of useful numbers such as electricity and gas companies near your front door. Don't feel embarrassed leaving them on the doorstep – genuine employees expect their ID to be checked.
Sign up to the Priority Services Register with your utility providers. This will give you a unique password, among other things, that only you and they know – so you can be sure people at the door are who they say they are.
Keep your garden preened and the front of your house looking neat – bogus callers are more likely to target houses which look unkempt as they think you're less likely to care.
Make sure you use your door chain when answering the door and keep it on until you've seen official identification – if you don't already have a door chain contact your local Neighbourhood Police team and they will put you in contact with agencies who can help you.
Make sure your back door is locked if you go to answer your front door – thieves can work in pairs with one distracting you while the other slips in the back.
Don't keep large amounts of money in your home. If in doubt, keep them out.
Only let them in when you have double checked that they are a genuine caller.
Do not give any bank details unless you are sure and you are happy they are genuine.
If you still feel uneasy or unhappy about the caller, call Warwickshire Police on 101.

Remember:

Most people who come to your door will be genuine callers, but it's always best to make sure.
Fit a door chain or spy hole to help you check who the caller is.
If you were not expecting someone to call, a genuine caller will not mind waiting outside while you contact their company. Find the number in the phone book or on your latest phone bill. Most companies have a password scheme.
Genuine delivery personnel usually have uniforms and liveried vehicles and should not need to come into your home. Charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it.
If you become uncomfortable after you have let someone into your home, even if it's someone you know, make excuses and leave. Go to a neighbour's house or ask a friend to come back home with you.
If you would like any further advice or would like to speak to the Shipston SNT please call us on the details below.

Kind Regards

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Last modified: November 21, 2012