Police warning over Shropshire door-to-door scams

The scam involves offenders targeting homes claiming to be reformed criminals on a probation service rehabilitation scheme and selling household cleaning products, tea towels and laundry items.

Officers have received reports from residents in Telford, Ironbridge and Newport and also Shrewsbury.

However, officers at West Mercia Police confirmed that no such scheme was in operation.

Pc Lee Thomas, of West Mercia Police, said in all the reported cases none of the sellers had local accents.

"There are clear rules about anyone who is going door- to-door selling items.

"In most cases they will require either a pedlars certificate or a street traders licence, which they must show to a householder and also to the police, council and certain other bodies on demand.

"If they fail to do so they instantly commit an offence for which they can be sent to court.

"In all of the cases reported to us, the people involved in these activities have not been local and have had very distinctive Geordie accents, having been driven hundreds of miles to ply their wares in our villages.

"These people are often referred to as "Nottingham Knockers" after the city where this type of selling practice is believed to have originated."

He said: "Our advice to residents is very simple and all they have to remember is the word SACK."

"Stop, don't let anyone you don't know into your home. Ask for identification. Check its authenticity. Keep them out until you are satisfied the caller is genuine."

PC Thomas advised anyone who was concerned about a caller to their home, or felt they were being pressurised into buying items they do not want, to call the police straight away on 101.

He added: "Unfortunately the majority of the messages we have received about the recent activities locally have been days after the event.

"This makes it extremely difficult for us to locate the people involved and deal with any matters or crimes that are being committed, or equally as importantly, to prevent any further issues arising.

"I cannot impress enough how important it is to call the police when these incidents are taking place. It is not wasting our time but could be helping keep local communities safer."