POLICE are urging elderly residents to be on their guard against cold callers offering to sell them house alarms and carpet cleaning services.

The warning comes following 14 reports of “high pressure” doorstep and phone selling in 48 hours across Dorset.

Inspector Caroline Quill said: “Some of the services appear to be delivered at low initial cost, or even no cost, but will usually have high maintenance charges attached to contracts which are difficult to spot. Be in no doubt – if what is offered seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“Reputable traders will understand the need for customers to think about what they are signing up to and will happily give that time without putting pressure on to sign up there and then.

“If you do not feel comfortable talking to the cold caller, simply hang up the phone or politely close the door on them.”

Dorset’s Trading Standards chief Ivan Hancock advised residents concerned by trading practices to call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

To stop nuisance calls from telephone marketing companies contact the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707 or register online at tpsonline.org.uk