Police warning after aggressive door-to-door sellers reported in Sevenoaks
17:12, 25 February 2021
updated: 17:35, 25 February 2021
Police have been called after door-to-door duster sellers turned nasty in Sevenoaks.
Sometimes referred to as ‘Nottingham Knockers’, the sellers often travel from out of the county with items such as dishcloths and other cleaning materials.
Over the past week Kent Police has received a number of complaints about incidents in the town as well as in nearby Chipstead, Seal and Dunton Green.
When residents decline to buy items, it's reported the seller has sometimes become confrontational and verbally abusive, before leaving.
Sevenoaks crime prevention officer, PCSO Lisa Kindell-Beaton, said: "While some people who canvass door-to-door are genuine, we always advise residents to be cautious about who they open their door to.
"Remember, if you are unsure who is knocking at your door you don’t need to open it. If you do answer the call, close the door and use the door chain if you have one. If they are genuine callers, they will not mind you doing this.
"Callers should - at the very least - produce proof of identification which can be traced. Check their credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number. Mobile phone numbers given on business cards are often pay-as-you-go which are difficult to trace."
You can report any suspicious behaviour by calling 101, or if a crime is in progress dial 999.
To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here
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