WE at Help the Aged were outraged to read your report about the despicable pair of conmen bullying elderly women in Blackburn by drilling holes in their doors and forcing them to buy over-priced, poor quality intercoms.

Unfortunately, we hear about these types of bullying sales tactics far too frequently, with con artists exploiting loopholes in consumer law and targeting in particular older people.

We would like to offer advice to your readers on how to keep themselves safe on the doorstep and in their homes.

When dealing with an unexpected visitor, Help the Aged urges older people to follow the simple 'Lock, Stop, Chain, Check' doorstep safety advice:

Firstly make sure all outer doors are locked

Then stop and think: are you expecting anybody?

Always put the door chain on and look out of the window or spy hole to see who is calling before opening the door.

Then ensure that you check their identification -- do not be afraid to phone the company or organisation the caller says they are from to check their validity (obtaining the number from a separate source, rather than taking it from the proffered ID card).

Genuine callers will not mind waiting for you to make these checks. Do not let anyone enter your home until you are completely satisfied that the reason for calling is legitimate.

Always get at least two or three separate quotes from different tradespeople when you need to have some work done and never be pressured into parting with money on the spot or signing up to anything you are not happy with.

LYSA RALPH, National Senior Safety Manager, Help the Aged, London.