UPDATE Thurs 13th NOV.

The Police have investigated further and have now concluded that all the correct licences and permissions were in place.  They are no longer investigating this occurrence but continue to advise that if residents find cold callers intimidating, then a sign on the door or adjacent window will significantly reduce that risk.  The PCSO will drop some leaflets into the farm shop and we hope more will be made available from Adam Dance’s office.

Update ends.

A cold caller has been operating in the village this morning and has already upset a number of people.

There is an organisation that minibuses ex-prisoners around the country with ID and a letter of introduction. While this may seem a worthy cause to support, their activities often result in stress and fear from homeowners, many of which might be elderly, female and living alone. As a result, the Police require them to inform the authorities of which areas they are working in. It appears that no permission was sought today and so the Police are treating this as a crime and are investigating. We may see increased Police activity as a result. If anyone has doorbell CCTV of this person, the police have asked if it can be forwarded to them.

This has happened occasionally over the last few years and while it does cause hightened awareness and stress at the time, so far there have been no reports of theft or violence as a result.

Please remember that you do not have to open your door to strangers. If you feel under threat or see a crime taking place, call 999. If you are suspicious or want to report information to the police that might help them apprehend a criminal or in this case, the organisation that has enabled him, please call 101. Any information may help the Police stop this action.

Unless you feel completely in control of the situation, while it may seem helpful to purchase items from this man, Police advice is not to, as it might result in further pressure to buy. The best action is to ask them politely to leave.

Adam Dance’s office has also been informed and it is hoped that he will provide some “No Cold Caller” stickers that will be distibuted to those that want them, if they arrive.

While I hope most people would support the rehabilitation of criminals, North Perrott is probably not the place to carry out this sort of action and certainly not without the full knowledge of the Police and Parish Council.