Police are urging people to check 'doorstep peddlers' are genuine after a peddler stole a tax disc from a Tolleshunt D'arcy house.

The incident happened on Thursday afternoon last week, when a peddler called at the house, asked to use the toilet and then stole the disc from the hallway.

Sergeant Jim White said that all doorstep peddlers should have a certificate, which householders should ask to see.

He added that people should not be inhibited about calling the police if they were unsure.

Maldon police can be contacted on 01621 852255.

Meanwhile thieves may be preparing for burglaries on shops by disabling security equipment in advance say Maldon police.

Maldon's Wool-worth's store alarm was disabled when the wire was cut from a man hole outside on Thursday evening last week.

Also, a security light wire was found slashed outside a newsagents on the High Street the following day.

Sergeant White said: "These shops maybe getting their security systems attacked by people with a view to doing those particular premises over."

Anyone with information on either incident can contact Maldon police on 01621 852255 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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