Police received a number of reports of ‘Nottingham Knockers’ attempting to sell items to residents living in Stroud on Sunday, November 14th.
It was reported that residents on Park Road in Stroud, Pooles Lane in Selsley, and Briscombe had been visited between 4pm and 7pm by a man who stated he was selling cleaning products.
‘Nottingham Knockers’ is a term used to describe doorstep callers who are often from out of county and offer a selection of household products to sell. Often they will claim to be former prisoners who are part of rehabilitation schemes that do not exist.
Legally they must be in possession of a ‘Pedlars Certificate’ which must be signed by the police for the area they live in and they must produce it if asked.
No-one handed over any money however officers visited those involved to provide reassurance and offer advice.
Action Fraud advises following these steps if someone calls at your house:
• Always ask for identification before letting anyone you don’t know into your house.
• Check credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number. The mobile phone numbers given on business cards are often pay-as-you-go numbers which are virtually impossible to trace.
• Take control by asking the questions. Ask for references from previous customers or to see examples of their work.
• Don’t sign on the spot – shop around. Get at least three written quotes to make sure you’re not being ripped off.
• If in any doubt, ask the person to leave or call Citizens Advice.
You can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or police on 101 if you feel that you have been the victim of this. You should always call 999 if you feel intimidated or threatened by an individual and they are still in the area.
