September 20 2013.


Police in Seaford are advising residents to be wary after several reports of a man going door to door offering to buy and value antiques on Wednesday of this week.

Police had calls from residents in Surrey Close and Sutton Drove after the man knocked on their doors claiming to be an antiques dealer and valuer with shops in Brighton. Though it is not thought any offences were carried out on this occasion, police are warning people to be on their guard.

Local Police Community Support Officer Noel Daniels said. "This practice is referred to as "knocking" and often the elderly are targeted and persuaded to part with items for cash that they don't really want to part with at a fraction of their true value, or worse, if the caller gains entry items may be stolen. Seaford is a no cold calling zone and any door to door activity is discouraged.

"Our advice is to never let anyone into your home who you do not know or who you have not arranged to come around. Don't feel pressured into letting this sort of person in to your house, or into selling any items. If you do want to part with valuables or antiques get a proper valuation carried out first from an auctioneer or proper antiques dealer, so that you know their true worth."

The man involved in these recent incidents is described as being white.5'8", with a bald head, and is in his forties.

Anyone who wants to report suspicious activity can call police at any time on 101 or e-mail contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk' If the caller is still present and you are at all concerned please dial 999