THE council has issued a warning to residents after rogue doorstep cold-callers targeted addresses telling householders they were installing compulsory smart meters.

The cases saw residents told that the installations were compulsory and should be fitted to the front door immediately.

The callers raised suspicion by not presenting any identification or giving any indication of which energy company they were employed by.

Residents were then told they would return to fit the mandatory meters. Addresses in Fingerpost and Blackbrook have been targeted.

The council’s warning also comes after the Trading Standards team took part in the 10th annual Operation Rogue Trader, involving a week of activities aimed at tackling doorstep crime along with Merseyside Police and other partner agencies.

Chief Trading Standards officer for St Helens Council, Darrell Wilson, said: “This appears to be very suspicious activity. I would advise that if a resident is cold-called in this way that under no circumstances should they let the caller into their property."

“Residents would have received information in advance from their energy provider concerning the rollout of smart meters, and only where the customer has agreed to an installation, involving a pre-booked appointment.”

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of any doorstep offender or rogue trader should ring 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Residents can also report any instances to Trading Standards on 01744 676 299. or via tradingstandards@sthelens.gov.uk, providing as many details as possible.

Any leaflets or documentation should be kept and if possible a note made of the registration of any vehicle that a cold caller was using.