Police have warned security salesman are again using scare tactics to sell their wares in Essex.
Elderly and other vulnerable people are often targeted with stories of rising crime in their area.
Encouraging residents to buy systems to prevent this, the security company are charging double or triple the standard prices, said Maldon's crime reduction officer Ray Stannard.
The door-to-door salesmen are well-dressed, usually arrive in a modern, smart car and have recently been spotted in Clacton and Brentwood
"They are knocking on these people's doors, frightening them with stories of burglaries and other crime, then selling them equipment at inflated prices," Mr Stannard said.
Mr Stannard urged residents not to part with any cash and added trading standards officers were looking into the problem.
Mr Stannard can be contacted on 01245 212549.
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