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SMART ALERT – Advice for Older Residents We have received reports of individuals calling at home addresses and attempting to purchase residents' vehicles on the doorstep. Please be vigilant if someone you do not know knocks at your door and offers to buy your car. While some callers may be genuine, criminals can use doorstep visits as an opportunity to gather information about you, your property, or pressure you into making a quick decision. Crime Prevention Advice: Do not feel pressured into selling your vehicle or making any immediate decisions.Always ask unexpected callers for identification and verify who they are before speaking with them.Keep doors locked and use a door chain where fitted.Consider installing a Ring doorbell or other video doorbell/CCTV system to help identify callers and provide evidence if needed.If you are interested in selling your vehicle, seek independent valuations and involve a trusted family member or friend before agreeing to any sale.Never hand over vehicle documents, keys, or personal information until you have verified the buyer and are satisfied the transaction is legitimate.If a caller makes you feel uncomfortable, end the conversation and ask them to leave your property.Report any suspicious behaviour to Staffordshire Police via 101, or 999 if you feel threatened or a crime is in progress.Please share this message with elderly relatives, friends and neighbours to help keep our communities safe. | 
