MID Devon residents are being warned by Devon and Cornwall Police to be wary of ‘unscrupulous’ door-to-door salesmen operating in the area.

Police have received a number of reports about salesman operating in Mid Devon claiming to be part of a scheme to rehabilitate ex-offenders.

When pressed to provide evidence of the scheme’s legitimacy, they are unable to do so.

The salesman use pressure tactics and have targeted elderly people.

A police statement said: “Residents are being warned by police regarding unscrupulous salesmen - police have received a number of calls relating to door to door salesmen operating in Mid Devon and East Cornwall.

“The people involved often wear home-made ID badges and purport to be part of a scheme aimed at helping ex–offenders.

“When challenged they are unable to provide any verifiable evidence that a scheme exists.

“Essentially they go from door to door, often targeting elderly residents and state they are ex-prisoners having been reformed.

“They use pressure tactics on the homeowner to purchase household items at inflated prices.

“If the homeowner refuses to buy items, the salesman often becomes abusive.”

Police are advising the public to report any incidents in their area on 101 quoting police reference CR/113283/14.