The Devon and Cornwall Police have become aware that a company has been cold calling local people and carrying out a survey, claiming to be working in collaboration with the police, where personal details are being requested from those being called.

They are informed that this company sell home security alarm systems.

A police spokesman said: “Devon and Cornwall Police would like to clarify that we have not commissioned any organisation to carry out this type of survey and nor would we conduct surveys asking such personal information. We work closely with our colleagues at local authorities across Devon and Cornwall on crime prevention and community safety matters and while we would encourage home owners to ensure they have adequate home security, we would never endorse any one particular company selling such products or services.

“We would encourage anyone who has concerns around the trading practices of businesses to contact their local trading standards department.”

Crime prevention advice is available online at the Devon and Cornwall police website and if anyone has a specific crime reduction query they can call 101 and ask for the crime reduction department.