Doorstep Callers

The days are getting longer but it is dark a bit after 6pm so many people may feel that having a man come after then to your door and be pretty pushy about selling household iterms from his bag is not desirable. Even during the day, it can be intimidating.

There is no official scheme for ex offenders to work as peddlers door to door. There is no evidence that these are ex offenders. It could be a sympathy but with threat attached line.”

Door to door peddlers in Derby need a licence from the city council with photo id in order to be legal. It is common for these doorstep callers to offer up grubby cardboard “IDs” with no photo.

It is advisable not to engage, do not be rude but be firm and close your door quickly.

If you have vulnerable neighbours or relatives, you may wish to share the following information with them.

Online police advice is :

• “Do not deal with Nottingham Knockers.

• NEVER allow Nottingham Knockers into your home.

• Do not pay cash on the doorstep.

Be aware of Nottingham Knockers visiting your neighbourhood and report any such activity immediately to police. By doing this you may well prevent another person falling into the cycle of repeated visits and cash hand overs.”

Derbyshire Police online contact details are here