Dorset is being targeted by the ‘Nottingham Knockers’, police say.

The Nottingham Knockers are a group of peddlers.

Peddlers are doorstep callers who target areas offering small household products for sale, usually cleaning products, which have likely been stolen.

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According to police they may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, however they are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “Recently numerous incidents have been identified across Dorset, especially as the festive season approaches. The group are known as 'Nottingham Knockers'. We are concerned about potential links to scoping out addresses for burglary and other acquisitive crime. Please do not open the door to strangers or purchase anything from doorstep sellers. In order to sell this way, most persons will require a peddlers licence, which you can ask to see. These can be obtained from: https://www.gov.uk/pedlars-certificate. Penalties include a prison sentence of up to 6 months if you give false information or carry a forged certificate. Stay vigilant and please make vulnerable neighbours aware.”

If you witness any suspicious activity report it to Dorset Police on 101 or if happening at the time, 999.