Western Rural Police are warning residents to be aware of hawkers – people who knock on doors unannounced and try to sell household items such as dusters and mops.
The warning follows the detention of 20 men in Frodsham, Norley and Cuddington who were operating with fake licences over the past week.
The men are all from the Middlesbrough area and aged predominantly between 20 and 25.
Three of the men will appear before Chester magistrates for peddling without a licence.
Police have received a number of calls from worried residents of Helsby, Frodsham, Cuddington , Ashton, and Tarporley over the last six months.
One call was from a man in his 80s from Acton Bridge last Tuesday to report two men who knocked on his door and hurled abuse at him and slammed his garden gate after telling them he wasn’t interested.
The Pedlar’s Act 1871 stipulates that individuals selling door to door must have licences issued by the chief constable of the area in which the salesman lives.
These certificates should include details of the licensing authority.
PC Dave Walton, of the Western Rural Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “If someone knocks on your door and tries to sell you household items they must be in possession of a valid pedlar's licence.
“The word hawker does not appear on this licence and they will not be issued to anyone with criminal convictions. If you get a visit, please politely tell them no and phone Cheshire Police on 101.
“Cheshire police are committed to stopping this group from coming to our area and will attend and check licences and seize items found to be fraudulent or in relation to the crime.”
Police have received a number of calls from worried residents of Helsby, Frodsham, Cuddington , Ashton, and Tarporley over the last six months.
One call was from a man in his 80s from Acton Bridge last Tuesday to report two men who knocked on his door and hurled abuse at him and slammed his garden gate after telling them he wasn’t interested.
Police are working together with Cheshire West and Chester Trading Standards officers to tackle the matter and the wider issue of cold calling.