PC Phil Shulver says that there have been several reports recently of foreign males going door to door asking for money for a son’s operation or selling pictures. To do this legally they must have a pedlar’s certificate, which will have their photograph, who they are, and the area issuing it (which will quite often be Nottingham, hence the name, “Nottingham knockers”).

Two males have been arrested in the last few days and taken to Parkside police station, and dealt with as they didn’t have a pedlar’s certificate and couldn’t provide an address.

So if you see anyone going door to door and you don’t believe they are genuine Phil asks that you please phone 0845 456 4564 and let the police know.