RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of calls by high-pressure salesmen in the Darlington area.

Darlington Borough Council has received several complaints in recent weeks in which salesmen have approached residents, many of them elderly, to persuade them to buy security systems.

Salesman are believed to be making cold calls, either over the telephone or door-to-door, and are attempting to sell the expensive equipment, claiming it is recommended by the police or council.

These are bogus claims and the council's trading standards team has warned people to be on their guard.

If anyone suspects they have been visited by such a caller, they can contact the police, trading standards, or their local Neighbourhood Watch team.

Residents who wish to have their home security checked, can call a Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer on (01325) 346832.