Warning over doorstep traders following Shirebrook cons

It is after incidents in Shirebrook where two elderly residents were approached by a woman who convinced them to buy bedding from her for a vastly overpriced amount of cash.

The woman was reported to have been calling at homes, on Brookfield Crescent and Linden Street, during the afternoon on Wednesday, January 29.

Community Safety Inspector Russell Dakin said: “These incidents serve as a reminder to residents across our area of the risks of buying items from people you don’t know, who turn up unannounced.

“We would like to take this opportunity to urge the community to contact police immediately if they are suspicious of people calling at their house, as we would much rather receive calls of suspicious incidents that turn out to be genuine rather than someone becoming the victim of a bogus caller.”

Advice to residents around doorstep callers includes:

If you are not sure who is at the door, don’t open it.

Check the identity of any caller. Confirm who they are by calling the company they work for using number from the telephone directory or a bill.

Ask a neighbour to come around to check them before you open the door.

Tell them to come back at a time when someone will be at home with you.

Keep doors and windows locked and use the door chain every time you answer the door.

Call the police immediately if you feel intimidated, they are suspicious or won’t go away when asked to.

The woman was described as white, aged in her 30s, of a plump or large build with dark shoulder length hair. She was wearing a hat, dark coat, dark jeans and carrying suitcases.

Anyone with information about this incident, or to report suspicious activity, should contact Derbyshire police on 101.

Residents can also contact you can call Citizen’s Advice Consumer Advice Service on 08454 04 05 06 for any issues relating to buying goods and your rights as a consumer.