Police in Haverhill have urged residents not to let any unknown doorstep callers into their homes after an elderly woman was targeted by a so-called ‘Nottingham Knocker’.
The 85-year-old, who has dementia, allowed a man into her home in Haverhill on the afternoon of Sunday, December 22.
Police and the woman’s family are unsure if anything was actually taken in the incident, with enquiries ongoing.
Police warning residents to be vigilant after six burglaries in eight hours across West Norfolk – officers say they are linked.
The uninvited visitor was described by police as being a Nottingham Knocker, a term used for aggressive door-to-door salesmen that sell goods, usually household cleaning products, at inflated prices to vulnerable people. They are also believed to act as scouts for later burglaries
Pc Jack Oakley, local beat officer for south and east Haverhill, told the Echo: “I have sent the picture of the male to all 43 police forces so they are aware of him and researching what has happened elsewhere.
“We would always be happy to get reports of them in Haverhill so we can monitor and I would be particularly interested to hear if anyone had a visit on the 22nd.”
A dog owner is warning people after a man tried to lure her dog away from her.
He continued: “Something which I am keen to mention is locally the Nottingham Knockers don’t have pedlars certificates which are issued by the Police and the rehabilitation scheme they claim to be on does not exist and is not through the Probation Service. Some people think it is genuine part of offender rehabilitation but it isn’t at all.
“The ID they show is also just printed off a computer and is not genuinely issued.
“The worry is that they can either go on a charm offensive as in this case or try and enter and be pushy and aggressive, especially if clocked to be elderly.
“I have no doubt that the incident we had in Haverhill was sadly a burglary scouting mission to see if someone is elderly, vulnerable, has valuables on show etc.
“Normally the sellers are sold the items themselves on a knock-down price and whatever they sell them on for they keep the difference.”
Suffolk County Council Trading Standards, added PC Oakley, would always like to receive reports of any activity by Nottingham Knockers. This can be done by calling 0808 2231133.
He also advised people not to let any unknown visitors into their home unless they have a pre-booked appointment; to always ask for photographic ID and use a spyhole and front door chain where possible and where any doubts about a visitor exist, not to let them in the door.
To contact PC Oakley call 101.