East Cambridgeshire police is urging elderly and vulnerable residents in Ely to ‘say no on the doorstep’ following reports that a lady was pressured to sell the contents of her jewellery box to a house caller.

A man talked his way into the lady’s home, before evaluating the contents of her jewellery box and paying her just £50.

The lady said she felt obliged to sell due to the pressure of having the man in her home. In response, the police are asking elderly and vulnerable residents to message them for a free ‘We’re not buying it!’ window sticker, which are being rolled out in an attempt to deter potential house callers.

Sgt Priestley of the East Cambridgeshire Proactive Team said: “We are working with Trading Standards on these matters and we follow such reports up robustly. This is not ethical business behaviour - if anyone would like to sell personal items it’s clear that there are a number of reasonable options.

“It is not necessary to have prospectors calling door to door - particularly where it is evident that the resident is elderly or easily confused or intimidated.”