Dear Resident

We are urging people to be vigilant after a spate of suspected unlicensed door sellers in the area. 

On the 09/12/24 at 12:13 hours, A white male described as having ginger hair, wearing Black tracksuit bottoms, and a Khaki Jacket, carrying a black holdell filled with cleaning products, Has been seen in Faracre Ct, Bellinge, Northampton. The male Has targeting Vulnerable & Elderly residents, using pressure selling to obtain large amounts of money

Did this male knock on your door?

Do you have CCTV available? 

Do you know who this male is?

We are aware of cold callers going door to door selling items in the  area – so called “Nottingham Knockers”.

These people may often offer household cleaning products for sale from rucksacks or suitcases.

Please be vigilant, do not purchase anything and never hand over cash on your doorstep.

If you feel threatened, close the door and contact police.

Always ensure your property is fully secure.

The items offered are often of low quality and advertised at inflated prices.

The “sales pitches” can also be part of a wider operation to identify burglary targets.

Those involved may claim to be part of rehabilitation schemes and could produce ID cards – these are entirely false and have no legal bearing.

Never buy anything from these people and report them to police.

Visit www.northantspolice.co.uk or call 101.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Distraction burglary How to protect yourself from distraction burglary: Don’t allow unexpected callers into your home unless they have a prior appointment – Even if people visit unannounced with identification and appear trustworthy, do not let them in without checking who they claim to be.

Always ask for identification and check it before letting somebody into your home – Use the phone number in the phone book or online, for the company that they claim to be from, not the one shown on their identity card.

If you do let someone in, make sure your front door is secure before you escort them through your home – This ensures that no-one else can enter whilst you’re occupied.

If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of a caller ring the police on 999. For pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up.

Rogue traders and door to door sales

How to protect yourself from bogus traders: 

Don’t be forced into making a quick decision on the doorstep.

Do not allow uninvited callers into your home.
Beware of a caller to your door claiming to be a builder highlighting an issue with your home – This is a common trick used by criminals.

Refuse any offer of being taken to the bank to withdraw money to pay.

If you ever feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the Police.

Please read through the attached Little Yellow Handbook

If you would like to contact your local policing team, search in the Your Area section of our website.