Police are urging homeowners to be extra vigilant following a spate of reports of doorstep sellers in Sevenoaks and Borough Green.

Officers have received reports of people knocking on doors in both Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks and Station Road in Borough Green where they are claiming to be from youth probation schemes and also PCSO approved schemes.

The sellers are often trying to sell cleaning products at higher than average prices.

Police received a report that at around 8pm on Tuesday, in Station Road, Borough Green, people were knocking on doors claiming to be from a PCSO approved scheme and were trying to sell products.

Officers also received a report at 5.50pm on Wednesday where it was reported that a man had knocked on a door in Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks.

He spoke to a teenager and asked where her parents were. He then claimed he had something wrong with his face before the teen shut the door.

A further report was also received on the same day at 5.56pm where a resident in the same road reported that she came home to a man standing on her driveway.

He is reported to have said he was a former prisoner and was selling items, however when the homeowner declined to buy anything he is reported to have become aggressive before he eventually left.

The man was described as white, slim build, aged in his early twenties with short hair which was brown in colour. He was wearing a blue tracksuit and was carrying a large bag.

Police Sergeant, Mark Ginsberg from the Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Unit said: “The only people who can sell door to door legally are licensed pedlars, the licence will be police issued and they should have possession of it when selling and produce it on demand.

“There are a number of others who do go door to door unlicensed, selling mainly kitchenware and cleaning products etc.

“They will use a variety of ploys to try to coerce the occupier into buying goods, claiming that they have recently been released from prison and are on a scheme for work and are working with local police and similar stories.

“I would like to remind residents to be vigilant and always ask for ID when someone knocks and is claiming to be from a scheme or company. I’d like to encourage residents to also look out for their neighbours, particular if they are elderly or vulnerable.”

Anyone with concerns relating to this type of incident can call Kent Police on 01622 604100 or emailing west.division.media.appeals@Kent.pnn.police.ukquoting 26-0967.

Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.