Crime prevention

We are aware of a number of reports of “Nottingham Knockers” in your area. While we work to deal with the incidents here is some crime prevention advice to keep in mind. 

To prevent doorstep seller crime, it's crucial to be cautious and never buy goods or services from uninvited callers. Display a "No Cold Calling" sticker and avoid answering the door to strangers. If you do agree to have work done, get multiple written quotes, don't pay cash, and take your time to think before signing anything. Please look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours and educate them of these type of incidents. 

As a reminder please ensure that while you are in the house or garden please keep front doors and windows locked, there are opportunist thieves who see an unlocked door as an open invite into a property. 

Detailed Prevention Strategies:

·  Never buy goods or services on the doorstep: Reputable businesses don't need to knock on doors to solicit work.

·  Display a "No Cold Calling" sticker: This lets traders know you don't want to be visited. 

·  Don't answer the door to strangers: If you're expecting a delivery or a visit, check who it is before opening the door.

·  Ask for identification: Legitimate tradespeople will have identification. 

·  Get multiple written quotes: Compare quotes to avoid being ripped off. 

·  Don't pay cash: Cash payments are difficult to trace and can be used in scams. 

·  Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision: Take your time to think about an offer before agreeing. 

·  Don't accept deliveries you didn't order: If you accept a delivery you didn't order, contact the company or the local police. 

·  Check credentials: Ask for a permanent business address and landline phone number. 

·  If you're unsure, ask the person to leave: It's okay to say "no" or ask someone to leave. 

·  Report incidents to the police: We encourages residents to report all incidents to the police. 

·  Contact Citizens Advice for support and advice: They can provide guidance on consumer rights and help you resolve disputes, says the Action Fraud website. 

·  Report rogue traders to Trading Standards: They can investigate and take action against fraudulent businesses, says the Trading Standards South West. 

·  Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

·  If you feel threatened, call the police immediately: Don't hesitate to seek help 



You can find plenty of crime prevention advice on our website: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Please note, we're unable to accept reports of crime through Your Neighbourhood Alerts. You can report non-emergency crime online here. Always call 999 in an emergency.