To think this is not right?

[ChilliNoodleGoodness]

Young man knocked my door tonight, stating he is an ex offender and is selling items as part of a scheme.

Items include tea towels, tumble dryer balls etc.

Very chatty, asked if I had cash, said no then he suggested a bank transfer "or are you skint?"

I have reported to 101

I'm gonna be burgled according to Google:(

Is it possible he was just after some easy cash, anyone else experienced this?

It is a well known "thing" that ex offenders do, or used to anyway. Whether or not it leads to a burglary I can't say but I never would buy anything as it was always ridiculously overpriced and random stuff.

Nottingham Knockers. Had a few round.

Did he show any I.D? Anyhow people dont 'knock' these days...glad you reported to police. Id also buy window alarms... etc.

Yes we’ve had several of these. I shut the door on them before they can get beyond “I’m an ex offender”. Thus far not been burgled but I always suspect they are up to no good.

They’re known round our way as “Nottingham Knockers”. You’re not going to be burgled, they’re just chancers trying to rip people off selling cheap goods at over inflated prices using a sob story. No such scheme for ex offenders exists.

I've heard sometimes on schemes like this they knock to see if anyone's home - if no one answers late at night they know it's empty.

Oh, I always fall for the sob story and pleased that they’re trying to change. I always buy something I don’t need.
Ive never been burgled

I’ve had it twice over the years.

The first time I naively bought an ironing board cover, once I got it out of the package it was only a square foot of fabric, so definitely a scam.

The second time, years later I bought an extendable feather duster. It does the job well and I’ve still got it. The lad who called was very likeable, and wether he was or not an ex offender didn’t worry me. I just felt if they are willing to go door to door to earn money, then at least give them a chance.

Ive never been burgled.

There is no programme for ex-offenders which sends them door to door. They are trying to earn some cash as hawkers so it's up to you whether you choose to buy or not.

They're not trying to change. In fact, if they're waving a 'pedlars licence' or a permit from the 'probation service' about to look legit then that in itself is a criminal offence.

Any hint of a sum of cash being kept at the property and you better believe they'll either be breaking in, or suddenly you'll be inundated with people wanting to tarmac your drive or check your roof for defects for an ever increasing sum.

https://www.thamehub.co.uk/thames-valley-police-issue-nottingham-knocker-advice/