PEOPLE in Darlington are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of high- pressure sales pitches on the doorstep and over the phone.

The warning from Darlington Borough Council's Trading Standards team and the Community Safety Partnership comes as a number of incidents of high-pressure door-step sales, particularly aimed at elderly people, have been reported.

The sales people either turn up unannounced on the doorstep or contact people by telephone, and then try to sell high-priced security alarms and service contracts, suggesting that they are recommended by the council or the police.

This is not the case. Visits to discuss security provision on behalf of the council or police are pre-arranged and made by staff or representatives carrying identification badges.

The council's uniformed wardens also carry out free home security check visits.

Anyone who receives a cold-call or home visit offering the sale of security systems is advised to decline the offer and to report the incident to their local Neighbourhood Watch office, Trading Standards or the police.

The Northern Echo launched its Doorstoppers campaign to raise awareness of bogus callers last year.

Residents wanting a security check can contact the Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer on (01325) 346832, uniformed wardens on (01325) 346831, Trading Standards on (01325) 388799 or they can speak to their local beat police officer.