South Holland Police are to conduct a ‘lessons learned’ review after what they say were false reports of people entering properties in Holbeach.
Reports, videos and pictures were placed on the Spotted Holbeach Facebook group of individuals in and around people’s properties on Cecil Pywell Avenue and Chestnut Avenue on Wednesday, April 7.
Following enquiries, police say the people were legal door-to-door salesmen.
However police faced criticism on social media, with some arguing that officers didn’t investigate soon enough.
The current Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, who is currently campaigning to be re-elected to the position as one of five candidates for the May 6 election, even got involved commenting: “I am not at all happy that this was not treated as a priority,” and asking people to message him directly with details.
He later added a comment saying: “I can confirm the matter is being looked into and I will ensure the wider issue of service is too.”
It led to South Holland Police releasing a statement the following day announcing they were conducting a review into their response despite finding no evidence of illegal activity at the time.
The statement says: “Extensive enquiries have been carried out in the area of Cecil Pywell Avenue and Chestnut Avenue, Holbeach, following reports of suspicious activity on April 7.
“It appears door-to-door salespersons, often known as “Nottinghamshire Knockers” have attended the location. Several of the residents spoke with the sellers and some made purchases from them.
“There was concern online that one of the sellers entered the home of an elderly person.
“This person has been spoken with by police and confirmed they made a purchase without any issue.
“There was also concern that the sellers were seen at the rear of some premises, these premises have been visited and that is actually where the front doors are.
“There was a report of one seller entering a porch, this property has been visited and again that is the access to the front door, in order to knock.
“An attempt theft from a shed has been recorded. However, no property was taken from it and enquiries indicate it did not occur during the time frames the sellers were in the area.
“The initial response to these incidents will be reviewed to see if any lessons can be learnt and we will be conducting a leaflet drop in this area and similar locations with crime prevention advice and liaising with local authority to promote home security.”
