POLICE are warning residents across Bracknell Forest and Berkshire not to let anyone they don’t know into their homes after receiving a number of reports of ‘Nottingham Knockers'.

Officers from Thames Valley Police have warned local areas that they have been made aware of 'suspicious activity' from door knockers.

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Several residents in Crowthorne have reported 'Nottingham Knockers' being "abusive and foul mouthed".

One woman said a knocker had turned up at their door on Tuesday, November 17 in Hatch Ride.

Another resident in Forest Road, Crowthorne, said also posted on Facebook, warning residents of the scam.

She said: "Abusive foul mouthed Nottingham knockers on Forest Road!! Do not answer! He had a northern accent. Wearing a backpack."

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Who are Nottingham Knockers?

Police describe them as 'doorstep callers who offer a selection of household products for sale.

The scam is believed to have originated in Nottingham, hence the name.

How does the scam work?

The scammer buys a bag of goods off the person who employs them, and are allowed to keep anything they make above this price.

Callers offer householders the goods, at inflated prices, but often use the sale as a ruse for checking out a person's home and gullibility.

Many people will buy something and pay them just to get rid of them, but once the money has been handed over, the scam can really begin.

Once the caller gets the money - most often a value that comes to a note - it is examined.If you have elderly friends, relatives, or neighbours, it's important to keep a lookout for them too and report any suspicious activity to police.

A message posted by police said: "If you have elderly friends, relatives, or neighbours, it's important to keep a lookout for them too and report any suspicious activity to police.

"The callers are often ex-convicts who claim to be part of a rehabilitation scheme which probably doesn't exist.

"Please report via 101 at the time or if you feel threatened or intimidated ring 999."