Nottingham Knockers Cheshire Police Alert

I saw this very important post on a local forum, posted by regular Chester Lifestyle visitor, John from Blacon. It is a message to be well aware of and taken seriously. The article – Nottingham Knockers Cheshire Police Alert – details what you need to be aware of, what the concern is and what you need to do. Please read and, if possible, may I ask that you spread the word if you can.

Have a read and stay safe and be careful folks.

Nottingham Knockers Cheshire Police Alert

Why the very specific reference to Nottingham Knockers in the article title? Many people ask the very same question. First thing to note is that it is the police who make the reference of Nottingham Knockers. And the simple reason for this is because the Nottingham Knockers are doorstep callers who offer a selection of household products for sale in a scam that is believed to have originated in Nottingham. Hence the reference to Nottingham Knockers.

The callers are often ex-convicts who claim to be part of a rehabilitation scheme to “mend their ways.” The scheme doesn’t exist.

Here’s a very important part of the very important warning. This message really needs to be shared. And if you do have any elderly or vulnerable neighbours, it may be an idea to keep an extra vigilant eye on them.

“Please warn your neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to strangers or buy or sell on the doorstep. Some doorstep callers may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices. Also, if a caller is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future crime.

Please keep in mind that if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return.”

Nottingham Knockers – How They Work

You can see how they work by reading the rest of the article below, or by clicking this link HERE, where you can also see some comments from some local people. Some of whom have been targeted.

“The sellers may say that they are on a “rehabilitation course” arranged by probation services or other organisations trying to find people work. This is not the case and often they are known criminals. Probation services do not run such schemes.

They may show a card which claims to be a “Pedlars Licence” or work permit. The image above is an example of one that has been frequently seized. These are not valid and they are breaking the law if they are using anything like the ones shown.

A bag of household products is supplied by someone who employs them. The males / females are supplied with a full bag of household products (including the typical tea-towels!) and charged a minimal sum for the contents. The minimal fee used to be £35.

They can keep whatever they make, above this amount. Usually, they are deposited in an area from a transit van and given a list of streets to work. An hour or so later they are picked up and dropped off in another location. They often work from 9am to 9pm.

They will knock on a door, offering cleaning items which they know are cheap and of very poor quality. The householder also knows they are rubbish but that is part of the scam. Many people will purchase items and pay them out of their good nature as they have fallen for their story or, just to get rid of them.

The Elderly And Vulnerable Are Especially Targeted

There have been cases of elderly residents handing over large sums as these people can be very persistent and confrontational and also abusive if they get no sale. The price for whatever has been purchased usually comes to a note – usually £10.

The householder disappears to get this – this is when the scam begins, according to the police. When the note is handed over, the lad examines the condition and how long it took the person to get it. If it is crumpled, they accept it and move on. If it is crisp flat and new – they are much more interested and may engage the person in more conversation, to obtain details about them.

As they leave they will smell the note. If it is slightly musty – this is an indication that there is more in the property. Those addresses are noted. The addresses of elderly / vulnerable / gullible people are all noted. These are handed to the employer and there is a small amount of cash handed over for each one.

These addresses are then sold in prisons and pubs. If there is a later break-in, the employer expects a further cut of the proceeds. Police advise that in almost every case of a stop check – the “pedlars” have long strings of convictions for burglary and violence.

They use the skills learnt during their criminal activity to identify possible targets.

Nottingham Knockers – What To Do

TURN THEM AWAY REMEMBER – if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return.

Report any such activity to the Police by dialling 101.

Message Sent By Stephen Parr (Police, Police Community Support Officer (Coach), Chester)“

Chester Crimewatch

Thanks for reading my latest Chester Crimewatch article – Nottingham Knockers Cheshire Police Alert – it is very much appreciated. To see all of my other Chester Crimewatch articles, head on over to HERE.

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