RESIDENTS have been warned to be vigilant over fears con artists are in operation in the town as part of a jewellery scam.

The owners of a town centre jewellers have issued advice after the company was contacted by a number of customers who were targeted by a group of cold callers.

Alastair Walker and Eileen Fleming, from PJ’s Jewellers, have spoken of their concerns that members of the public may be led to believe that these sales calls are linked to their business.

It is understood at least eight properties in the south of Warrington have been targeted by cold callers in recent weeks according to Alastair.

But some readers have been in touch to say they have received cold callers in Orford and Westbrook.

Alastair said: "Several customers have contacted us in the past two to three weeks regarding a team of individuals knocking on doors around Warrington asking to buy gold and silver jewellery. 

"The cover story is that they are jewellers going into the new market and require gold to recycle into new jewellery.

"As a shop, we have never and will never knock on people’s doors attempting to buy jewellery. 

"We conduct the gold buying aspect of our business inside our shop."

PJ’s Jewellers, which is currently based in Warrington Market Hall, is set to move into the new market as part of the town centre renovation project.

Alastair added: "We would urge anyone not to sell their valuables to anyone who knocks on their door, nor should they invite them into their home to offer any type of valuation."

A spokesman for Warrington Market added: "Currently there are a number of individuals in the Grappenhall and Latchford area visiting door to door looking to buy second-hand jewellery to stock up a stall.

"They say they have been allocated a stall in the new Warrington Market and are then trying to gain access to people's homes.

"Please be aware they are likely to be con men seeking to steal from the unwary as no such individuals have been given space in the market and Warrington Market has no affiliation at all to these individuals.

"Please be very careful not to let these people into your homes.

"The police have been made aware."