"Nottingham Knockers", Fritwell area

Officers have this evening attended a report in the Fritwell area of “Nottingham Knockers” going from door to door.

This is a nickname for persons who frequent residential areas, often claiming to be working as part of a prison release rehabilitation scheme, and selling dusters, tea towels and other cheap household goods at overinflated prices. However, this is often a cover story for their underlying activity.

Working in organised criminal groups, Nottingham Knockers are often dropped off and collected by an associate in a van or other large vehicle. When speaking to householders on the doorstep, they are assessing what items of value might be in the property, and the capability of the occupant themselves. This information is shared with other criminals and is linked to subsequent burglaries in the area. They frequently target older or otherwise vulnerable householders.

Whilst it’s not an offence in itself to sell goods or services on the doorstep, the activities of Nottingham Knockers are linked to criminality. Please help us disrupt this by reporting such visits to Thames Valley Police at the time by telephoning 999.