Following a report from a vigilant iCAN member, Police have, earlier today, picked up a male going door to door offering loft insulation. 

The male who claimed to be working for the Council was wearing a fluorescent jacket and carrying a folder.  He tried to gain access to a house in the Lymm of Warrington area but after being asked by the householder to produce identification, he quickly left and was then later picked up by the Police.

Residents are advised to be on their guard and are assured that anyone who claims to be from the Council will have ID. This can be verified by telephoning the Contact Centre on 01925 44 33 22.  Please, if you are in any doubt do not allow access and report to Cheshire Police on 101.

click here to view the full warning

There have been several reports from Cheshire residents of ex-offenders selling products and services door-to-door. They claim to be working on a Probation Service-approved doorstep selling scheme.

Cheshire Probation Service has confirmed that they do not involve offenders in any type of doorstep scheme.

Trading Standards would advise residents not to buy from any person claiming to be part of this project. If you are targeted by someone saying they are part of this scheme politely refuse their business and contact the Police by telephoning the non-emergency number 101.

Residents should remain vigilant at all times and please remember, do not allow unexpected callers claiming to be officials into your home without first checking that they are genuine.

You can check the validity of the caller by contacting the organisation they claim to be from but remember, never use the number provided by an unsolicited caller to check authenticity. If you have any doubts whatsoever do not allow access.

click here to view the full warning

Following an earlier warning that went out on 21 December 2011, Trading Standards would like to again alert members to be cautious if receiving a telephone call from anyone offering to help reduce council tax payments.

Several more residents have reported receiving a telephone call from a company offering to assist in making a claim to reduce their council tax banding cost. The caller will have ‘a patter’ they may say they can assist with making a claim as your property is banded incorrectly. They may also claim they can help to reduce your bill if you are the sole occupant. The fact is that there is no need for assistance as anyone can do this for themselves. Please do not engage with the caller and do not give out any personal details.

click here to view the full warning

Safer Halton Partnership would like to inform iCAN members of a recent distraction burglary that took place in the Ansdell Road area of Widnes.

A male claiming to represent the Water Board called at the home of an elderly lady on the afternoon of Monday 19th December 2011 between 1pm and 2pm. The male stated he had come to turn off the radiators and proceeded to enter the house. It was later established that a handbag and contents were stolen.

click here to view the full warning

Trading Standards has recently received a number of reports from residents in both Warrington and Halton about the doorstep sale of memory foam mattresses.

Residents have been approached both in the street and on the doorstep by a male driving a white transit van claiming to have memory foam mattresses for sale. Generally the male makes out that the mattress is surplus stock or a similar tale, quotes a price of around £150-£200 but will accept less if the cash is readily available.

click here to view the full warning