Glossop police warn residents of doorstep crime threat

Glossop’s Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team (SNT) are asking residents to be on their guard after a spate of doorstep crime reports.

Rogue traders, bogus callers and unlicensed pedlars are going door-to-door in the area, and as well as warning locals to be alert, police have also offered advice on how not to fall for any scams. 

“Doorstep crime can include rogue traders, offering home improvement or gardening services, or bogus callers who claim to be the council, charity collectors, health carers or energy companies,” says a statement from the SNT. 

“If in doubt – keep them out.” 

They go on to explain danger signs of each group: 

“Rogue Traders may: 

• Say they are in the area and have spotted a problem with your home or garden. 
• Claim to have materials left from another job, like paving or tarmac. 
• Try to pressurise you to buy goods or sign up for services on the spot. 
• Offer to carry out work cheaply but charge an extortionate price after it have been completed. 
• Offer to drive you to a bank so you withdraw money to pay them. 
• Provide false names, addresses, or telephone numbers.” 

The SNT points out that bogus callers tend to use distraction techniques to leave people open to having their cash or belongings taken: 

“Bogus Callers may: 

• Claim to be working for the council, water, gas, or electric company. They could also say they are a nurse, doctor, or from the police. 
• Say they need to come into your home or try to get you to go outside. 
• Try to distract you so they can steal your money. 
• Can be male, female or even children.” 

By contrast, people selling door-to-door should have a police-issued pedlar’s certificate.  

The force suggests residents should check the identity of any unfamiliar person at the door, ask them to come back when someone else is home, and to keep windows locked and doors chained when answering. 

If you suspect someone of being a rogue trader, bogus caller or unlicensed pedlar, you can contact police 101, or send messages to Derbyshire Police on Facebook, Twitter/X, or the contact form on their website.