Warning after Hartlepool woman pays 'unreasonably high amount' for cleaning items to doorstep caller

Detectives are treating the incident in Greatham, on the edge of Hartlepool, on Monday, November 16, as fraud by false representation owing to the amount of money charged and have urged anyone with any information about the suspect to contact them.

Detective Constable Dave Angel, from Hartlepool CID, has now said: “On this occasion the doorstep callers have sold items for an unreasonably high price compared to what they are worth and therefore this crime is being investigated as fraud by false representation.

“I would advise anyone who is approached by doorstep sellers to stay vigilant and to verify the identity of anyone who may attend their property without prior notice.”

While doorstep calling is not in itself illegal, Cleveland Police have offered detailed advice for anyone who encounters such salesmen or women.

Namely:

:: Always ask for identification or a legitimate certificate from any salespersons;

:: Check credentials, including business address and telephone number. To be sure, call the organisation concerned to check that the person works for them;

:: Do not let anyone into your home if you feel uneasy about it;

:: Do not purchase any items until you are satisfied that they are legitimate;

:: Always get an agreement in writing with price, quote and contact details;

:: Beware of filling out personal forms or when giving out personal or financial information;

:: Ensure you are happy with your product and it is in working order;

:: If in doubt, call your local trading standards authority.

Further details about Monday’s incident have still to be released.

But anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Angel, from Cleveland Police, by telephoning 101, quoting incident number 188303.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously by phoning 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Hartlepool Borough Council’s trading standards team can be contacted by telephoning (01429) 523362 with further crime safety advice available online at www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk

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