Elderly ‘intimidated’ by ex-convict callers
The Southport Visiter newspaper is published by Trinity Mirror Merseyside, a subsidiary company of Trinity Mirror PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code of Practice as enforced by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at IPSO, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London, EC4M 7LG. Website www. ipso.co.uk/ Telephone: 0300 123 2220 email advice@ipso. co.uk If you have a complaint concerning a potential breach of the Code of Practice, we will deal with your complaint directly or IPSO can refer your complaint to us. Please go to www.trinitymirror.com/howtocomplain where you can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A “How To Complain” pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Trinity Mirror PLC, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP. WARNINGS have been issued after reports of alleged exconvicts and youth offenders “intimidating” elderly residents with door-to-door sales.
Merseyside police have recently received several reports of salesmen, who have stated that they have been in prison or youth offenders’ centres, calling at properties.
In each incident, the men have had either a rucksack or large bag with them, containing items for sale.
Most of the people they have approached were elderly, who reportedly found their attitude “intimidating”.
In one case, the caller put the bag in the doorway – preventing the Sefton resident from closing the door – and only moved it on request when a purchase was made.
A second resident reported that they did not buy anything, but had still handed over money so that the caller would leave them alone.
A Merseyside police spokesperson said: “One male was described as 5ft 7in, with blonde-ginger hair and fair skin.
“Another male was described as white, a skinhead and of large build.”
In response, the police have issued advice on how to deal with cold callers.
The spokesperson added: “If your house has a porch, keep the door locked at all times and speak to strangers who call through the glass.
“The closed door acts both as a barrier and a protection.
“Houses without a porch can be also made safer by the residents putting the chain on the door before opening it to speak to the unknown caller.”
Anyone with any information, or who has had a similar experience, can contact Merseyside police on 101.