There was a very similar practice yrs ago in my area. My good friend, about 74 yrs old said some unknown person would come and knock on house and windows. He said his mother was so scared that her and kids would cry.
Way back in 1977 on this day I got married to my high school sweetheart. I lost her over 10yrs ago. I’m now remarried to another sweetie. Not looking for sympathy but it’s been quite a ride
I bought new tires for my work van. They only had two black wall ad two with white letters. I put white letters out on right side of van. Nobody ever called me out on it. Yrs later I sold it and about 2yrs after he first noticed