Gloucestershire Constabulary is asking residents to be alert following reports of aggressive door to door sellers over recent weeks.

Police have received reports of incidents in Minchinhampton as well as areas in Cheltenham over the past two weeks.

One incident was reported in Minchinhampton yesterday after individuals visited an address on Shepard Way and offered items for sale to those living in the area.

Door to door sellers or Nottingham Knockers is a term used to describe those who are often from out of county and offer items for sale or offer to do maintenance work on properties.

A pedlar's certificate is required in order to sell door to door and this must be signed by the police for the area in which they live and they must produce it if asked by a resident.

Action Fraud advises following the below steps if an individual comes to your house:

• Always ask for identification before letting anyone you don't know into your house.

• Check credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number. The mobile phone numbers given on business cards are often pay-as-you-go numbers which are virtually impossible to trace.

• Take control by asking the questions. Ask for references from previous customers or to see examples of their work.

• Don’t sign on the spot – shop around. Get at least three written quotes to make sure you’re not being ripped off.

If in any doubt, ask the person to leave or call Citizens Advice.

You can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or police on 101 if you feel that you have been the victim of this. You should always call 999 if you feel intimidated or threatened by an individual and they are still in the area.

For advice on how to help protect yourself from bogus tradesmen, please visit: bit.ly/3fYf6Sw