CALLINGTON Town Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have joined together to warn householders of an influx of door-to-door traders in the area.

A number of residents have reported aggressive behaviour from a group of street traders who have tried to gain entry to houses.

The individuals are selling items from backpacks, claiming they have just been released from prison and need to feed a young child.

Three properties appear to have been targeted in Tavistock Road, Callington, before the group then arrived at St Ive on the A390 between Callington and Liskeard.

'A number of residents felt concerned for their safety because of the over-confrontational nature of some of these door-to-door traders, who seemed to take offence if they were denied access to the house.

'We understand the police were called on two occasions following incidents at separate houses and it is important that householders know what to do in these circumstances,' said Callington town councillor Andrew Long. 'These traders have no right to enter your property uninvited and we want to urge all residents to follow a few simple rules.

'If you are at all unhappy or uncomfortable when visited by these people, deny them entry and ask them to leave your property and land.

'If they refuse to do so, or use threatening behaviour, lock your doors and dial the police on 999.

'There are a host of reputable street traders and these few individuals are ruining their reputation,' added cllr Long.

These comments were echoed by Sgt Julian Collison, of Callington Police, who said: 'I would further ask that anybody who has a visit from these traders, even if they do not feel intimidated, to contact the police on 101. This will give us the opportunity to challenge the traders and confirm their identity.'

'Due to the mobile nature of their business, it is very difficult to locate them without reporting of their locations by the public,' he said.