POLICE have thanked residents in Wickwar for helping them arrest two men on suspicion of illegal doorstep trading.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary issued a warning to householders in the area to be on their guard following a number of reports of burglaries after door-to-door salesmen targeted the village.

During November and December, residents were told to be extra vigilant against fraudulent salesmen and police advised them to ask for to see a pedlar's licence if anyone cold-called to sell goods.

Officers urged villagers to call them if anyone was spotted acting suspiciously. On Friday, January 4, police responded to such a call and arrested two men in Wickwar High Street.

A 20-year-old man and a man aged 30, both from Nottingham, were later charged with acting as a pedlar without a licence. They have been released on police bail with conditions not to enter South Gloucestershire and are due before Northavon Magistrates later this month.

Neighbourhood Inspector Andy Workman said: "We rely on local people being our eyes and ears, reporting any suspicious activity. I always say if you are in any doubt, give us a shout.

“If anyone calls at your home unexpectedly, don't open the door without putting the chain and asking for identification. Genuine callers will expect you to check their ID and most utility companies now run password schemes to prove they are who they say they are.

“If you're not sure about a caller, don't open the door."