POLICE in Truro are warning residents about a doorstep scam by people claiming to be ex-offenders selling household cleaning goods.

They claim they are selling the goods as part of their rehabilitation in connection with the probation service.

But police say there is no such thing from any type of agency, and that this is a scam.

PC K Bagguley from Truro police issued a warning saying the scammers are selling tea towels, kitchen and cleaning utensils and would want payment usually with a note (£5, £10 etc).

This will tell them various things such as crumpled = out of purse, no money; flat crisp = possible more inside the property.

"They will also learn who lives there and how many and will target the old and vulnerable," said PC Bagguley. "This information is then sold on to others with the possibility of burglary and theft. Please inform any friends and family this is happening.

"If unsure do not answer the door. Ask for identification. A genuine peddler will have a licence stamped by a police force.

"To get a licence they must checked and approved before one is issued."

Police say if unsure don’t open the door and call 999,101, or go to the Devon and Cornwall website and report online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk