Residents urged to be vigilant after reports of cold calling near Salisbury
Police have issued some advice to help people stop becoming victims
Last updated 10th Mar 2021
Salisbury Police are urging people to remain vigilant after they received reports about a cold caller in villages near Salisbury.
They were told about a man knocking on doors in Dinton and Chilmark and asking questions about their boilers and whether they are eligible for "eco" grants.
Police say they are not aware of any crimes being committed or anyone being scammed out of money, but they still want people to be careful.
COLD CALLING ADVICE
In order to stop people falling victim to cold callers, the force have issued some advice:
- Most people that call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of distracting you and tricking their way into your home to steal money or valuables or sell you something you do not want or need.
- These types of people are often referred to as 'Nottingham Knockers', 'distraction burglars', 'bogus callers' or 'cold callers'.
- People should never feel pressured into buying something on their doorstep, whether it is goods or a service. We would urge people to contact the police if they feel threatened or intimidated.
- If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours it might be worth popping over to check they are okay if you have had cold callers visit your house.
- An official visitor will always arrange an appointment with you before and will not turn up unannounced.
- Our advice will always be to not open the door to anyone you don't know or are not expecting. Always check by using a spy-hole or look through a window.
- If you have any concerns you can report them by alerting the police via 101.
They want to us to "leave cold callers out in the cold".