RESIDENTS are being warned of door-to-door sellers offering lower quality products for high prices.

Sherborne Neighbourhood Policing Team have received reports of 'Nottingham Knockers' in Yetminster, Chetnole and Leigh.

Police said 'Nottingham Knockers' is a term referring to persons going door to door selling household items, such as cleaning products.

The products are often of lower quality and higher price.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We have received reports of 'Nottingham Knockers' across the Sherborne area.

"Providing these sellers have a valid Pedlar's Licence - and are good mannered - they're not committing any offences.

"We advise residents to ask to see their Pedlar's Licence before getting into any conversation and make a mental note of their name.

*"Ask to see their pedlar’s certificate before getting into any conversation and make a mental note of their name.

"Do not to allow any such people into your home and consider the use of a door chain to prevent someone walking in.

"Consider whether you need to purchase any items and do not feel that you should.

"If you do not wish to purchase anything from them, ask them to leave your property. If they refuse to leave or become pushy or aggressive in their sales pitch, tell them that if they don't leave you will telephone the Police.

"They may be committing an offence by refusing to leave, so do phone us if they become aggressive and refuse to leave your property.

"If they are pushy in their sales pitch, they may be committing trading offences, so consider contacting Trading Standards"

Dorset Council offer window stickers which read: "WARNING. We do not deal with uninvited traders. PLEASE LEAVE AND DO NOT RETURN."

More information can be found on the Dorset Council or Dorset Police websites.