A WARNING has been issued to residents to be on their guard against cold callers selling dusters and other cleaning products.

North Yorkshire County Council’s trading standards officers said the number of incidents of cold callers selling sub-standard and potentially unsafe cleaning products in North Yorkshire was growing.

These cold-callers, who frequently introduce themselves as ex-armed forces personnel, or ex-offenders on a community scheme, are often targeting, vulnerable and elderly residents according to trading standards.

“We are very concerned at the growing number of incidents," said County Councillor Andrew Lee. "These cold-callers use a range of tactics to generate sympathy and we know of cases where people have paid as much as £200 for products that are practically worthless.”