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.”