OFFICERS in Lymm have issued a warning after reports a group of men had been knocking on doors claiming to be from a Prison Rehabilitation Course.

Police in the area have urged residents to make neighbours, family and friends aware of the scam and advise them to turn cold callers away. 

A spokesman added: "They are doorstep callers who target areas offering small household products for sale.

"These callers may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, however they are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme.

"Please warn your neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to strangers or buy or sell on the doorstep.

"Some doorstep callers may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices and if a caller is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future crime.

"Please keep in mind that if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return."

How they work

Advice from Safe Local Trades say the sellers may say that they are on a 'rehabilitation course' arranged by probation services or other organisations trying to find people work.

This is not the case and often they are known criminals. Probation services do not run such schemes. 

They may show a card which claims to be a “Pedlars Licence” or work permit. 

 The following is an example of one that has been frequently seized by the police. This is not valid and they are breaking the law if they are using anything like this.

Warrington Guardian:

Pic credit: SafeLocalTrades.com

According to the police, they will knock on a door, offering cleaning items which they know are cheap and of very poor quality; the householder also knows they are rubbish but that is part of the scam.

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A spokesman added: "Many people will purchase items and pay them something, just to get rid of them.

"There have been cases of elderly residents handing over large sums as these lads can be very persistent and confrontational.

"The addresses of elderly / vulnerable / gullible people are all noted."

The advice adds turn them away and remember if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return.