‘DOORSTEP criminals’ who bully vulnerable people into buying from them have prompted a public warning from the council.

Buckinghamshire Council acknowledged a spate of unwanted cold calling in Beaconsfield, by urging residents not to answer their doors and to protect at-risk neighbours.

The authority implored people to call the police should any “suspicious callers” come knocking – and to use door safety measures where possible.

READ MORE: HS2 horror story: Family on brink as ‘vast and ugly’ haul road swallows up view

The warning followed a tweet at council leader Martin Tett by someone alleging so-called “Nottingham knockers” had aggressively “threatened and abused” them in Beaconsfield, on November 20.

They said the issue was persistent and was worrying elderly residents.

Cllr Tett also recommended involving police.

Bucks Free Press:

“@MATatBucks – what can be done about the Nottingham knockers circulating constantly in the Beaconsfield area?” the person wrote.

“It’s becoming highly concerning, especially for our elderly neighbours. Reported several times to 101.

“We were threatened and abused today. Very aggressive.”

READ MORE: High Wycombe a ‘desert’ where people ‘lose out’ thanks to lack of town council

Bucks Free Press:

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Buckinghamshire Council said: “We’ve received reports in relation to cold callers in Beaconsfield.

“We strongly recommend if you don’t know the person at your door, don’t open it or use a door chain if you have one.

“If they become intimidating and you are frightened call the police on 101.

“If you have neighbours you feel are vulnerable to doorstep crime, please do keep an eye open for any suspicious callers.”

In emergencies call 999.

The authority recommends ordering a Trading Standards door sticker free from Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards.

“To obtain a Stop Cold Calling Sticker Pack or to report an incident please contact Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline, on 0808 223 1133,” it said.

Stay informed about scams in your area by following Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards on social media: https://www.facebook.com/BucksSurreyTS https://twitter.com/Bucks_Surreyts/

We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting Beaconsfield. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics