Police advice: Doorstep seller? Ask to see their Pedlars Certificate
Posted on January 31 2013
Police are offering advice on doorstep sellers and traders in a bid to help prevent crime and offer reassurance to residents.
Officers are raising awareness of what people should do if someone calls at their home unexpectedly, offering to sell goods or carry out work.
Inspector Russell Dakin, of the Community Safety team in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, Bolsover and the Amber Valley, said: “The aim is to ensure people know what to do if someone calls unexpectedly at their home, as we have had incidents in the past where residents have suffered a burglary while they have been distracted at the door.
“While we don’t want to scare people unnecessarily, we are asking people to take precautions to help prevent them from becoming a victim or from being conned out of their hard earned cash by a rogue trader.”
While it is not illegal to sell goods door to door, sellers must carry a police issued Pedlar’s Certificate, which shows the crest of the police force where it was issued, the name of the officer that approved it and the name and details of the seller.
Insp. Dakin added: “When dealing with strangers who call at your door make sure your home is secure and as possible. Always use a door chain and ask for identification.
“If they are selling items then ask to see their Pedlar’s Certificate. They are valid for 12 months and are issued by police in the area where the seller lives. This will indicate that background checks have been made of the seller, and that they are of good character.
“We also ask what they intend to sell and can check the quality of their merchandise. The holder must produce the certificate, if asked, to anyone they are trying to sell as well as any police officer.”
Residents are also advised to follow some safety tips when dealing with doorstep callers, including keeping the front and back doors locked when at home and using a security bar or chain when opening the door.
People should always ask to see the identity card of the caller, and if they are selling goods, to ask for their Pedlar’s Certificate. View an example of a Pedlar’s Certificate.
They should take the ID card or certificate, close the door and examine it from inside, and to call the organisation they work for using a number from the telephone directory or a utility bill.
Other advice includes:
- Never invite a stranger into your home; if they ask to use the toilet, for a drink or to make a call then direct them to the nearest public facilities.
- Question whether you really need the goods or services they are offering and don’t be obliged to buy or sign up to anything on the spot. You may get a better deal if you shop around or get alternative quotes.
- Remember- genuine callers will not mind while you make these checks.
- Keep an eye out for your neighbours and report any suspicious activity to police.
To contact Derbyshire police call 101, the non emergency number, except in an emergency when the number is always 999.
For further advice and information visit the Derbyshire police website: http://www.derbyshire.police.uk or Derbyshire County Council website: http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk.