RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after reports of a ‘Nottingham Knocker’ who has been calling at houses in the Alvechurch.
Police want to hear from people who have information about a man who knocked a door in the village around 4.15pm yesterday (Friday, March 1), claiming he was an ex-soldier selling household items.
He called at an address in Alvechurch but the police were called because when the man was asked to leave, he became aggressive as he left.
In another incident, at around 4pm, a suspect with an East Midlands accent tried the doorbell of a nearby address, and offered the resident tea towels, feather dusters and torches.
He asked if she wanted to pay by cash or card while asking where her handbag was. However, he left quickly, and nothing was taken from the address.
‘Nottingham Knocker’ is the term given to, traditionally, younger men who go from door to door, selling household products.
They are normally given products to sell but are sometimes ‘tradesmen’ making unsolicited calls to offer work and may be ‘scouting’ properties out for possible burglaries.
Det Sgt Ian Tomlinson from Redditch Police said: “We would like to speak to the anyone with information about the man in these images as we believe he may be able to help with enquiries following these incidents in Alvechurch yesterday.
“We would urge the public to please be vigilant, do not purchase anything and never hand over cash on your doorstep. If you feel threatened, close the door, and call the police.
“Remember, such ‘sales pitches’ might also be part of a wider scam to identify burglary targets.”
He urged anyone with information to call West Mercia Police CID on 01562 826105.
People should always dial 999 in an emergency – if the crime is happening or they feel threatened.
