An aggressive cold call made to a Honiton resident has prompted a warning to be issued by one of the town’s PCSOs.

Richard Shelton said a call was made to a Honiton household last week offering a solar panel checking service.

He added: “The company seemed to know quite a lot about the resident they were calling.

“When the resident told them they were not interested the caller became quite aggressive so the resident terminated the call.”

Trading Standards for Devon, Somerset and Torbay has since issued advice to anyone on the end of a cold call:

• Do not agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers

• Take time to get at least three quotes from reputable businesses and decide who to use in your own time.

• Get recommendations from friends or via Buy With Confidence.

Mr Shelton added: “If you are worried someone is at risk call the police.

“If you are not sure the person at the door selling is genuine, ask for ID.

“If they hand you ID, take it, close the door and check it.

“It should have a phone number on it so you can call to verify who they are. If you are still unsure call the police.”