POLICE are warning elderly people in East Lancashire to beware of burglar alarm salesmen.

Pushy door-to-door salesmen have been targeting pensioners in Clitheroe and Blackburn, says Lancashire Constabulary's alarm administrator Rebecca Eckersley.

She said some salesmen were trying to frighten older people into buying expensive movement detector alarms by telling them crime was increasing locally.

Mrs Eckersley said: "These people seem to prey on elderly folk, they often take deposits for work which is never done and dwell on fear of crime as a selling point. Once they get over the doorstep, it is very hard to get them back out."

She said elderly people should never let salesmen into their homes, and advised people to compare prices and specifications with at least two other companies.

Householders can get advice on alarms by calling 01772 618125.

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