ELDERLY residents in the Kendal area are being warned to be aware of people calling at their doorsteps trying to sell burglar alarms.

Cumbria Trading Standards said the salesmen are focussing on the elderly and vulnerable and using hard sell tactics, excessive prices and service charges.

Phil Ashcroft, head of CTS, said: "My advice is not to buy from a doorstep salesman.

If you want to buy a burglar alarm, go to a local company, or a company that has been recommended to you."

He said the doorstep visits are sometimes preceded by a telephone call telling the home owner that a representative will call and see them.

Those contacted are advised to say "No thank you," and put the telephone down.