POLICE have issued safety advice to residents following "suspicious incidents" where a woman "knocked on the doors of several properties requesting help for her child".

A post on the Facebook page of Thames Valley Police Reading said the force had "received several reports recently of someone knocking on the doors of properties in Southcote".

They said the "suspicious incidents" took place in the Coronation Square area on January 5.

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The force added: " A woman knocked on the doors of several properties requesting help for her child. A resident suggested she call 999 and she left."

Since the reports, police have issued safety advice to residents urging them not to open the door to people they are not expecting and not to invite them into your home.

The force said: "If you let in someone you don’t know, who may be asking for help or money, or who is claiming to be from an organisation, you may become a victim of theft or fraud.

"You can protect your home by installing a chain on your door and keeping this on if you need to answer the door.

"A video doorbell camera would allow you to see who is at your door without having to open it."

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It added: "If you are uncertain of someone’s identity, request to see an identification card or ask them to wait outside while you verify their identity, such as by calling the organisation they are claiming to be from, but avoid using any telephone numbers they have provided you.

"If you feel threatened or intimidated close the door and call police immediately.

"If you have recently experienced an incident of this nature please make a report on our website or you can call our non-emergency number 101."