Residents warned to think twice before buying from doorstep (From Crewe Guardian)

Residents warned to think twice before buying from doorstep

2:38pm Monday 30th January 2012 in News By Katie Durose

CHESHIRE Probation is warning residents to think twice before buying from door-to-door sellers.

There has been several reports from Cheshire residents of ex-offenders selling products and services door-to-door. They claim to be working on a Probation Service-approved doorstep selling scheme.

Angela Cossins, Cheshire Probation’s chief executive, said: “‘We do not involve offenders in any type of doorstep scheme. Our advice is not to buy from any person claiming to be part of this project and to follow the Police’s advice below.”

John Roberts from the communities unit at Cheshire Police said: “We have had reports of this sort of thing happening in the past and our advice would be for residents to always ask for identification from anyone who knocks at their door unexpectedly, claiming to be a legitimate salesperson.

“Genuine salespeople will have no issue with you checking their ID or calling their employer to verify they are who they claim to be.”

Anyone targeted by criminals who fit this description should politely refuse their business and contact Cheshire Police on its non-emergency number 101.