AN INCREASE in bogus traders often claiming to be on a rehabilitation scheme trying to find work or selling overpriced household items with false trading permit or other forms of ID, the Bishops Castle Policing Team has warned.

They issued the warning following an increase in reports of door-to-door traders known as ‘Nottingham Knockers’ over the past week including in Lydbury North and Hope.

“Nottingham Knockers are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme. The government-backed Community Payback scheme does not involve door-to-door trading. They generally come into the area as part of a group and are dropped off in different villages,” say the police.

Some local residents have reported that some of these sellers are becoming quite persistent and often try and put pressure on the person to buy their products even though they have stated they are not interested.

“We advise that if any sort of salesman comes to your property selling any form of product, to not be persuaded to purchase anything and not to exchange any money for what is quite often a poor quality product.

“We also encourage everyone to use precautionary measures such as a door chain or to simply ignore any caller at the door if you aren’t expecting a visit from anyone. If the pedlar because threatening or tries to intimidate, call the police on 101,” say the police team.