TWO cold callers were arrested in Winterslow today after they tried to sell cleaning products to residents.

Wiltshire Police said officers received calls from members of the public reporting two men going door-to-door purporting to be part of a rehabilitation scheme.

Officers then attended the area and spoke to a group of men.

A 21-year-old man from Hartlepool was arrested on suspicion of operating without a pedlar’s licence and has been taken to custody at Melksham Police Station.

A 20-year-old man from Middlesbrough has been reported for summons for the same offence.

A quantity of cleaning products were also seized, as well as some blank documentation the group were using.

Salisbury Journal: The blank documentation the group were usingThe blank documentation the group were using

Sergeant Steve Jolly, from Salisbury Community Policing Team, said: “We want to remind people that these types of callers are not from any official scheme or rehabilitation programme and what they are doing could be illegal.

“You should always ask to see valid identification and if you have any concerns please call the police.

“We know that some of the more vulnerable members of our communities, including the elderly, can feel pressured to buy from these callers, so everyone can do their bit to make sure their neighbours are safe.”

Wiltshire Police has issued the following 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'.
  • If offenders are trying to sell you something on your doorstep, often cleaning products, they have been known to claim they are part of a rehabilitation scheme or similar arranged by probation services. This is not the case.
  • 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.