Police warn residents over man approaching West Lancashire schools in van trying to sell beds and mattresses

Feb 14 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

POLICE are warning residents in the West Lancashire area that a man is approaching schools in a van trying to sell beds and mattresses.

A number of incidents have been reported in the Tarleton, Hesketh Bank and Banks areas over the past few days. A man has been seen wandering in the school play grounds at home time dishing out cards to parents advertising the sale of these items.

Lee Ormandy from Trading Standards said: “Trading Standards advice is never to buy anything from a stranger out of the back of van, should something go wrong they will have taken your money and it is unlikely you will ever be able to contact them again. These sellers can be quite insistent and pushy but don't be pressurised into making snap decisions. Mattresses are required to comply with specific safety regulations and because the source of the mattresses are unknown it is possible they may not comply even though they may be displaying what appear to be fire safety labels. Don’t let scammers con you, be sceptical, take your time, know who you're dealing with and always protect your personal information. “February sees the joint police/trading standards initiative Scamnesty which looks to raise awareness of scams and encourages the public to report such frauds.”

Lancashire Constabulary’s DC Tony McClements said: “In the current economic climate many people will be tempted by the offer of cheap mattresses.

“Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the mattresses for sale will meet with the appropriate safety standards.

“Also worrying is the fact that marketers of this type really shouldn’t be plying their business on the playgrounds of schools.

“Although we appreciate that schools offer an opportunity at opening and close to gain access to a large number of potential customers, we work hard with schools and parents to ensure that children enjoy a safe environment at their place of study.

“Un-chaperoned salesman wandering around the playground is not conducive to maintaining this safe environment; therefore I would ask the individuals concerned to refrain.”