Don’t open door if concerned and display ‘no cold callers’ sticker
Police have issued advice to householders following reports of ‘suspicious’ charity collectors knocking on doors at night.
Peter Sullivan, of Lymbourne and Arcot Park Residents’ Association, raised the matter at a community action group meeting this week after hearing concerns about individuals ‘cold calling’ at homes late into the evening.
The collectors were reportedly asking for donations to go to a good cause, but residents took to a social networking website to say they felt ‘spooked’ by strangers coming to their doors, whether legitimate or not.
Sergeant Andy Squires, of Sidmouth’s neighbourhood policing team, said he has not received any reports, so could not say whether the collectors were genuine or not.
He said: “If people are suspicious of a caller on their doorstep, don’t answer the door, or at least put the chain on [if there is one] before opening it.
“We have ‘No Cold Caller’ window stickers available at the station or the Have Your Say Surgeries at the library if anyone wants one.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here