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Essex Community Messaging

We have received reports of cold callers operating in Rochford District attempting to sell household products door to door, claiming that they are ex offenders working with the Police, Council or Probation service.

Known as 'Nottingham Knockers' – so named as first being identified operating in Nottingham. Their sales pitch is:- ‘I’m an ex-convict working with the Probation / Police / Council trying to go straight by selling goods door to door….’ The goods are low quality and overpriced. There is frequently a second person looking around the side of the property. They may show an I.D., this is not an official document and will not have been issued by the council or the police.

If you are cold called by this type of trader our advice is not to get involved in conversation or buy anything from them. Please call Essex Police on the non emergency number 101 as soon as possible so that we can attempt to trace the individuals. In an emergency dial 999.

Further advice on rogue traders and cold callers can be found on the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/rogue_traders.aspx