Police have issued a warning over a gang of abusive 'Nottingham Knockers' who are threatening householders.

Nottingham Knockers are usually young men who go door to door, forcefully selling household products at inflated prices.

Police said a man was reported 'being very rude and unpleasant' in Long Hanborough, near Witney, on Tuesday (May 21).

"They will be carrying a large holdall style bag which contains various household items at high prices and will try and hard sell to make more money," said Thames Valley Police.

"They will also tell you about how they are trying to make a better life.

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"We have received calls from the public, who state that upon declining the products, they have been subjected to verbal abuse and threats to cause criminal damage from the sellers."

Police have carried out stop checks and the people involved have been identified.  

The men are dropped off in a particular location by a large van and are then transported around that area throughout the day.

They will offer ID which will likely be ‘Hawkers Work Creation’ and say they have just been released from prison.

"This company does not actually exist and is purely a laminated piece of card with their picture on," police warned.

Oxford Mail:

They advised anyone who gets an unexpected knock on the door to check who it is by looking through a side window, a spy hole, or simply asking out loud who it is.

Establish who they are and what they are there for before you open the door.

If the cold caller sales are unsuccessful, they are unlikely to return in future, said police.

Anyone who experiences any verbal abuse or feels intimidated, should call 101 and repeat what was said, and give a description of the person.