Police warn residents of door to door caller

Sussex Police have received 13 calls recently describing a stocky man in his mid forties to mid fifties. He has been described as both unshaven and with a moustache.

The incidents occured between April 28 and May 7 in Bexhill, St Leonards, Lewes, Barcombe and Seaford. Police say he may have called further afield.

Sussex Police are concerned that the man is repeatedly winning the trust of residents.

On some occasions he claims to have previously left a business card at the address or that he knows the householder concerned before engaging them in conversation.

Once in the house he identifies goods he is interested in purchasing and offers money for them before leaving and saying that somebody will collect the items.

A spokesperson from Sussex Police said: "We remind residents to be extremely cautious about allowing entry of any strangers into their homes, for any reason, but especially if they are not expected.

"Stop and think! When you hear a knock at the door ask yourself whether you are expecting any visitors? Always ask for identification from any callers indicating an interest in buying any of your property. Make a note of the description of callers and any vehicles that may be outside at the time and never feel pressured into selling any of your property to anybody.

"If you are not thinking of selling property prior to a knock at the door, why let somebody into your house if you do not know who they are?"

Residents with elderly neighbours are also asked to keep an eye on them over the summer months and help ensure they are not targeted.

Anybody with information, either through having had a call themselves or who may have witnessed a similarly described male in similar circumstances is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting serial number 1550 of May 7, 2009.