POLICE in Preston have warned householders to be on their guard against rogue alarm sales teams who claim to be working with the police.

The warning follows several complaints from residents who have been approached by companies using high pressure sales techniques.

Rebecca Eckersley, Lancashire Constabulary's alarms and security systems manager, said: "The force does not promote or recommend any alarm company or specific brand of equipment.

"We do however advise people to take a number of precautionary measures when dealing with door-to-door sales people."

She said residents should not make any decisions or sign anything without comparing prices with at least two other companies.

"People should also be very cautious if the sales technique relies heavily on fearful tales of crime or recommendations from the police," she said.