KNUTSFORD Police officers have offered advice on dealing with a recent spate of cold callers in the town.

Reports of people knocking on residents’ doors asking for food and money have increased over the past few months, with a Longridge woman handed a suspended sentence last month after duping a man out of £270 in April.

Now, officers are urging members of the public to stay vigilant and direct any donations to the Hampers of Hope foodbank.

Hampers of Hope runs in conjunction with Knutsford Methodist Church every Monday from 10am at the Knutsford Town Council offices in Toft Road.

PCSO Gary Fulton from the Knutsford Beat Team said: “I have seen first hand the good work they do in helping those in need in the community.

"Residents who are asked by people for food on their doorstep should direct them to ‘Hampers of Hope’ who are will willing help those who need it.

“These type of cold calls are not welcome to residents and I would advise people to contact ourselves so we can establish if these people are genuine.”

Hampers of Hope has been an active foodbank in Knutsford for the last two years and has helped many people and families in the area.

Cold callers in the town have targeted elderly and vulnerable residents.

In a recent high-profile incident in June, three people were targeted, with the third – who suffers from Alzheimer’s – handing over around £60 in the first instance, and a further £30 when the cold caller returned later that same day.

Police hope that directing those seeking donations to the foodbank can help reduce these types of crime.