Callington police have received reports that phone calls have been made offering house alarms for free with a fitting fee of £299 — the alarms are meant to connect to the three emergency services.

Police have said that the callers give the name as ‘Callington Safety Partnership’ but neither the council or the police have heard of this partnership.

Police spokesperson said: ‘The company state that people would be cold calling but they preferred to make appointments and that payment would be in cash only. If cash is not avaliable at home and you have no way of driving yourself to the cashpoint they will do this for you.

‘Please, if you receive any calls of this nature do not give any information and please contact police on 101.’