POLICE in West Devon have received several reports of suspicious door to door sales in the borough — most recently in the Grenville Drive area of Tavistock by a man driving a Ford Transit.

Running alongside these reports police are also finding there has been theft of metal, garden machinery and tools taking place, along with gardening and house maintenance being carried out at very high prices.

Tavistock PCSO Kevin Williams said: ‘Please be aware of door to door sales and ensure you check out work previously carried out in the area, always try to get more than one quote for any work required.

‘If you feel there is something wrong with somebody that is calling at your house or you see someone acting suspiciously in your area please call us at the time on 999.’

General crime prevention advice by the police:

Keep doors locked even when you are home or in the back garden. Take keys out of locks as a burglar could reach through a letterbox or cat flap.

Install a burglar alarm. Make sure all household members know how to work the alarm and use it daily.

Close and lock windows. Use lights on timer switches when you are away to make your home appear occupied.

Consider having a gravel path/driveway as it makes anyone approaching the house easier to hear.

Lock your shed and secure tools and ladders inside, ideally hidden from view.

Put up high fences or plant prickly bushes that would be difficult to climb over.

Make sure gates cannot be climbed over and secure them with appropriate locks.

When away, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home, collect your mail, newspaper and milk so it does not pile up at your front door and draw your curtains.

Park your car on the driveway or road in front of your house to show someone is home. If you’re away, ask a neighbour to park there.

Install lights outside to light pathways at nights.

More crime prevention advice can be found on the Devon and Cornwall Police website https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/