Police are advising people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious strangers offering unsolicited services or trying to gain access to homes.
This could involve offers to clean driveways, repair roofs or other maintenance or repair work.
Not all cold-callers are rogue traders or fraudsters, however, those intent on committing crime will employ any tactic to engage you and lower your guard.
If someone calls to your home offering a service you have not sought out, or making enquiries about any work you may need done, trust your gut – if you feel that something isn’t quite right, it usually isn’t.
Don’t permit them into your home, do not make any advance payments and report anything that raises your suspicions to us immediately.
It is so important to share details of these types of interactions and behaviours with the police.
The sooner information is reported, even if it is on behalf of others, the better the chances are of catching a potential criminal.
This is also a good way to help police spot potential patterns and implement patrolling to deter criminals and reduce crimes of this nature in the local area.