VULNERABLE Spa householders are being warned to ignore 'pushy' sales approaches from security firms.

South Worcestershire police say they have received a number of reports about salesmen from security firms alleging they are 'working alongside police' or 'working with West Mercia police' in the Droitwich area.

But a spokesman said: "It is not the force's policy to align itself in this way with any company.

"Whilst we recognise, and would support, the wish of members of the public to safeguard their homes by installing alarms or closed circuit television systems our advice is to ignore cold canvassing 'pushy' approaches from security companies.

"These firms may be genuine, even if their forceful approach may be questionable.

Pushy

"But, where callers state they are working alongside police or other agencies in order to provide crime prevention advice or improved security, we advise people to obtain the name of the police officer with whom the security firm claims to be working.

"Then they should make contact with that officer directly through our single number on 08457 444888 - not any number provided by the caller.

"In this way, people will be able to satisfy themselves that the caller is genuine and is working with the constabulary. In the event that this information cannot be provided by the company, you should not allow the individual into your home and should call the police immediately."

The names of the security firms have not been given out by the police but the spokesman added if pushy or aggressive sales techniques are used householders can call the trading standards department at Worcestershire County Council.