TRADING standards are warning Wrexham residents to be on their guard for some unwanted salesmen knocking on their doors.

The Nottingham knockers, or 'the duster sellers' as they're also known, are usually young men who will turn up on your doorstep with a large black holdall, selling a range of cleaning products, including sprays, dishcloths and tea towels. Initially from the Nottingham area, this group would come ‘knocking’ on people’s doors to trade, hence the term Nottingham knockers.

According to Wrexham Trading Standards, there have been a spate of recent incidents across the county, with people being warned about an ulterior motive behind the sale of the often poor quality items at inflated prices.

A spokesman said: "They’re also checking out suitable targets and selling details on to professional burglars. A number of people who've purchased items from Nottingham knockers have become victims of a household burglary shortly afterwards."

This autumn, Wrexham Trading Standards will launch Operation REPEAT, a crime prevention initiative in conjunction with North Wales Police. Operation REPEAT aims to safeguard vulnerable householders from any form of financial abuse and fraud, so they can continue living independently in their homes.

The spokesman added: "The team behind Operation REPEAT have been at the forefront of dealing with Nottingham knockers for years. They advise that these men travel to an area in vans or mini buses and generally work in teams across a neighbourhood.

"They’ll admit to being ex-convicts trying to make a new start and may show a card supposedly from their probation scheme. These ID cards have no legal bearing.

"The young men deal in cash on the doorstep and if you’ve purchased from them once, they’ll keep returning to try their luck again."

It has been reported in other areas that the sellers have even become violent and forced their way into people’s homes to obtain further cash. Although this hasn’t been reported in the Wrexham area yet, the men have been aggressive.

The spokesman said: "Again, please understand that these sellers are professional criminals and the best way to stay safe is not engaging with them."

If you’re visited by Nottingham knockers, please report to North Wales Police as soon as you can by calling 101 to give the police the best chance to attend your area and apprehend the individuals. Please try and record any details, including vehicle registration.

However, if you’re threatened or treated aggressively on the doorstep, dial 999 for an emergency response.

If you’re concerned that you’ve been approached by Nottingham knockers you can also report any incidents to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.