People have called police saying that they have bought televisions but when they have taken the item home it doesn’t work.

A member of the public has also claimed he bought an 18 carat gold chain but following the purchase he realised it was in fact just gold plated.

Police are investigating the matters and have spoken to the sellers. Officers are now liaising with Trading Standards.

Sergeant Lance Broad, of Telford Police, said: “It appears there has been a rise in people selling goods, especially flat screen televisions and jewellery, from the back of transit vans.

“The sellers are telling customers that they are being offered a good bargain, when in fact the televisions don’t work and the jewellery is not what the customer thought it was when they initially purchased it.

“We have spoken to the sellers, who have receipts for the items, and they have told us that they are selling the items for spares.

“Our advice to members of the public is to be aware and to think about what they are purchasing before they part with their money.

“If it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.”