Doorstep gang targets elderly in Shropshire shoddy goods con

Door-to-door salesmen posing as rehabilitated ex-convicts trying to sell poor quality household goods are targeting homes across Shropshire, police revealed today.

The sellers – branded ‘Nottingham Knockers’ by police after a scam which originated in the East Midlands – have visited homes in Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Tenbury Wells in recent weeks trying to sell products at inflated prices.

In one case a seller started knocking on the doors of elderly residents at a sheltered housing complex in Ludlow after getting through a secure door.

Police say some of the sellers have become aggressive.

The salesmen are not part of any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme and many do not have a pedlar’s certificate, which is needed to legally sell door-to-door.

Inspector Edward Hancox, of West Mercia Police, said residents were advised not to buy from doorstep sellers.

They should also refuse to allow anyone into their home who they do not know or are not expecting.

He said: “If you have no choice but to open the door to see who is there, always use a security chain or bar.

“If anybody comes to your door trying to sell you something, our advice is to refuse and close the door. The same goes for cold callers who might be offering services such as gardening or maintenance work.

“A pedlar’s certificate is necessary for an individual to legally sell door-to-door and these are only issued by police under strict conditions. Even if the seller has one of these it does not mean the goods they are selling are of high quality.

“If you have any concerns about an individual or they refuse to leave and become aggressive contact police on 101.”