Police warn of scam in the area

Salesmen are calling homes in the county selling advertising space in a pamphlet said to be endorsed by Gloucestershire Police, the constabulary has warned.

This week two residents have been phoned at home and offered the chance to sponsor what is said to be a police backed publication.

On Monday a man in Walton Hill, Deerhurst was called. The seller said that a crime prevention booklet was being created, advertising a new scheme in the area.

The man was asked if he would like to sponsor the booklet and invited to pay up to £1000. The man declined and said goodbye, then reported the call to police.

The call came from a withheld number.

The following day (Tuesday August 17) a man in Alderton, Tewkesbury reported receiving several calls encouraging him to buy adverts in a local crime prevention book.

The price of the advertising was given as £199.

A Gloucestershire police spokesman said: “We will never cold-call people making this sort of approach. We do not seek advertising by these methods, nor endorse specific publications.

“Anyone phoned by salesmen claiming to represent the Constabulary and asked to pay these sums should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report the content of the call.”