ELDERLY residents in the Vale should be vigilant when approached by people offering property security advice after three suspicious incidents.

Police said three residents in Broadway, Bishampton and Throckmorton were suspicious of telephone calls they received last Wednesday from people saying they were in the area and would call at their house.

Evesham firefighters said they were aware that someone posing as a fire officer had called at a house in Broadway offering one of their free home fire-safety visits.

Sub officer Mal Turbett said they have distributed leaflets throughout the Evesham area about their home fire-safety visits and only ever contact people who have been in touch with them first.

"We don't cold call," he said. "Anyone who wants to know about home fire-safety visits always contacts us first."

West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Bull said: "Although we are not aware of any specific offences being committed, we would advise all members of the public, but particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be extremely cautious when responding to such approaches.

"Residents should always be totally satisfied regarding identification before inviting someone into their home, however plausible the conversation may have been. Additionally, if they are at all unsure, they should ask a friend or relative to be present."

The fire service offers free home visits, which includes checking around houses for possible fire hazards, prevention advice and smoke alarm installation.

Anyone interested in a home visit can contact Evesham fire station on 01386 446388.