ELDERLY and vulnerable residents are being urged not to buy from doorstep scammers who claim to be reformed convicts.

Police in Tendring issued the warning about so-called ‘Nottingham Knockers’ after two men called at the homes of elderly women in the Kings Parade and Madeira Road areas of Holland-on-Sea.

The men were selling cleaning cloths and other household cleaning items from a black bag.

One lady was sworn at by the men after she politely declined their offer.

A spokesman for Tendring Police said: “A local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator located the two males, one of which stated he was just out of prison - one of the usual sales techniques used by knockers.

“When asked for ID he stated that it was kept in the van that had dropped ten of them off that morning.

“These knockers are not licensed to call door to door selling goods.”

Tendring Police said that ‘Nottingham Knockers’ may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, but that they are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme.

“Please warn your neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to strangers or buy or sell on the doorstep,” the spokesman added.

“Some doorstep callers may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices and if a caller is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future crime.

“Please keep in mind that if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on October 5, is asked to call Essex Police on 101.