Beware of 'Nottingham Knockers' in Wiltshire
An alert's been put out by the county's Trading Standards
Trading Standards officers in Wiltshire are warning people to be wary of doorstep sellers, and avoid buying from them.
They've said there's been an increase in reports of 'Nottingham Knockers' operating around the county.
That's where men claim to be ex-service personnel, or recently released from prison, and are selling items like dusters and tea towels door to door to 'help them get back on their feet'.
They often hold up a fake 'work permit' to try and prove their legitimacy and then become aggressive if householders don't purchase from them.
The warning from Trading Standards is that we shouldn't just buy items to get rid of them.
That could lead to information being passed on to other rogue traders and criminals that yours is the kind of household that could be persuaded into scams.
In a post on social media, Wiltshire officers say:
"We would like you to bear in mind that if sales are not made in your area the group are less likely to return. Please warn your friends, family and neighbours not to engage with doorstep callers and not to buy products from these organised gangs."
We're also asked to report any 'Nottingham Knocker' incidents to Police on 101, with descriptions of the people involved and any vehicles they might be using.
Wiltshire residents can also apply for free 'No Doorstep Callers' stickers for front doors or windows, through the Trading Standards Facebook page.