Door to door sales - scam/con?

[Hannah9176]

I've just had someone at the door selling cleaning products. Answered the door holding the baby. Stupidly in a panic to get him away I bought 2 things for £10. Now reading all about how this is a con (which doesn't surprise me) but also that it's used by criminals to find houses to break in to. Now I've got myself in a bit of a panic, DH works away a lot so it's just me and the baby so I feel quite vulnerable! Are these often a criminal group or are they often just people who have fallen on hard times?

They are known as Nottingham knockers. Very shady and a complete rip off too. If you see them again try and get the index of the vehicle they are dropped off in and let the police know. They are often up to no good.

they are a rip off and total liars but breaking and entering is a whole step up from that. Unless you let him in and showed him where the valuables are, I wouldn't worry too much. Just take normal precautions and don't be a victim of an opportunist - don't pop out leaving windows open and always take car keys with you even if you are leaving the car.

You're missing the point - they note which houses are unoccupied during the day and look for lack of an alarm, etc.

Ok thanks for the info! I did think/hope the fact I answered the door with the baby would give a hint I was in all the time. There were no car keys visible either (we have a quite expensive new car on the drive). Must be more assertive and refuse next time. Lesson learned!

oh well - I suppose if I wasn't at home I'd never know if the place had been cased!

Update if anyone is interested - house across the road has been broken in to!

Let your neighbours know if you haven't already.

Don't open your door to strangers. Speak to them through the door and tell them to leave.