RESIDENTS in Malvern are being urged to remain vigilant after a female ‘artist’ had called on several homes trying to con vulnerable people by selling fake art.
Over the weekend police received a number of reports after an Eastern European female had been cold calling in the Pickersleigh area.
She knocked on their doors, offered artwork for sale for between £10 and £15 and in some cases even higher. However the artwork is nothing more than photocopies.
Police have said ‘artists’ of this type ‘prey’ on people’s compassion to get them to part with their money, mainly targeting older or vulnerable people.
Officers from the Pickersleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team are advising people to be on their guard and report any incidents of callers at their door attempting to sell personal artwork.
A spokesman for the team said: “Officers want to identify the people who are responsible for the sales and are asking members of the public to contact them if anyone calls at their door in similar circumstances or if they have been targeted already.
“Residents should also take basic crime prevention measures and be on their guard against cold callers of any nature.”
Crime measures residents should adhere to include keeping front and back doors locked – even while at home and using a door chain and don’t let any strangers into your house.
Anyone who feels threatened by a caller should call the police on 999.
The spokesman added: “If you have any doubt about who is at your door, don’t answer it.
“Your information, no matter how small, could help us build up a picture of who is responsible.”
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the artist, or by any other suspicious cold callers, should call West Mercia Police on 101 and pass information to the Force Control Room.
