IF IN doubt keep them out.
That is the message from Warwickshire Police, who are urging 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 police are urging people to be vigilant while reminding them door-to-door traders 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.