DOOR-to-door salesmen have threatened violence on unsuspecting householders in Hereford.

The city's neighbourhood watch team said that many residents feared the callers would smash up their cars after turning down their offers.

People have now been advised not to open their doors to the callers following the acts of aggression in Whitecross.

Craig Cox, Chair of West Mercia Neighbourhood Watch, said the groups of men, believed to be from the East Midlands, were selling car care products.

“Some of the residents said they feared these guys may smash their cars,” he added.

“On many occasions, threats of violence and damage were implied.”

Mr Cox said the West Mercia neighbourhood watch team have received reports of five separate groups operating across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire.

They are all believed to be men in their twenties and thirties.

“The prevalence of these incidents hasn’t changed,” said Cox. “But now the groups are selling with menace.

“We are advising people not to answer their doors to door to door salesmen if they don’t want the risk of confrontation.”

Hereford Neighbourhood Watch urges residents to report any suspicious activity to the police on 101.