Agressive behaviour on the doorstep

[AdrianD]

There have been an increasing number of young men calling at houses in the evening trying to sell small household items. They say they are ex offenders from the North-East (e.g. Middlesborough) and belong to a scheme that helps them get back into normal society. I have had three this month so far. Last night one called and became verbally aggressive when I declined to buy anything. He then demanded access to the house so he could use the toilet and when that was refused threatened to urinate in our front garden.

I did not manage to see this identity card as I was very keen to shut the door so do not know which organisation he is sponsored by. This constant calling is becoming frightening and last night was a very marked increase from the merely pushy to very agressive behaviour.

This behaviour doesn't seem like the work of a legitimate organisation or charity. If such charities do exist, they are not controlling the behaviour of their sellers. Or it could be that criminals have spotted an opportunity.

Has any one else had this happen to them? I have reported the matter to community police officers.

[Gloves]

I don't open the door to these people.

I had one peer through the window and ask me to open the door, I said no.

He left.

Use the peep hole or the window to look, if they're carrying a big bag or a load of cleaning utensils, JUST SAY NO!

[Gloves]

Obviously, I am sorry for your experience.

[shoshntosh]

Yes, I have had this same thing happen to me, several months ago (I put a thread on here about it then). It was pretty frightening for me and my two teenagers, but I especially worry what might have happened had I not been home. (They are supposed to open the door). I sometimes wonder if these people are just casing houses, checking to see who is home, what kind of locks we have and whether we have alarms/dogs, etc. I can't imagine any scheme that would send ex offenders door to door!

[Sue]

This has been happening for years in this area on and off, possibly for decades.

No, they are not from a legitimate organisation or charity.

[Lisa Taylor]

That is very frightening, yes as others have suggested do not open the door I know I won't be.

Be careful ED lots of horrible people in this world unfortunately.

[Maybaby]

Does this occur at night mostly?

People have peepholes on their doors, don't they? If you aren't expecting anyone, why not look through it first?

We have a gate, however, I am wary in general in London...