Residents need to be on guard

The warning comes following a recent incident where a woman knocked on an open kitchen window of a house to sell household cleaning products and the resident noticed a pot of money had been stolen from her kitchen worktop a short time later.

Notts Police have been informed of the incident and residents are being reminded not to leave valuables such as keys, money laptops or mobile phones near to an open window or in view from the outside.

Back doors should also be locked before opening the front door to an unexpected caller.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of the council’s community safety committee, said: “We understand that in the hot weather windows are kept open whilst people are at home.”

“However, residents need to avoid leaving valuable temptations in view as doorstep criminals are more likely to be looking for easy pickings during the summer months.”

Residents who have suspicions about a trader cold calling in their area should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506.

Victims of a distraction burglary should report the incident to the police.