Surrey Police are warning homeowners to be vigilant following a spate of bogus phone calls in Reigate.

Several homes have been targeted this week by callers claiming to be working with Surrey Police as part of a crime protection initiative.

The callers have then asked householders questions about their current home security, claiming to be offering them a free burglar alarm or the chance to win a burglar alarm worth £1,000.

Luckily residents have been suspicious of the calls and acted appropriately.

On one occasion the homeowner became suspicious and hung up, and others challenged the caller forcing them to hang up.

Neighbourhood inspector Charlotte Rimmer said: "It is important that you make sure you know exactly who you are talking to when you are cold-called by someone in this way.

"If you do get a call from someone claiming to be an official of some kind that you aren't expecting, ask them for a number you can call back on so you can either check with Directory Enquiries that they are a real company, or you can call a switchboard for the organisation they say they work for and ask to be put through to them.

"Be aware that when someone asks you when you are in or whether you have an alarm fitted, you are also telling them when you are out and what security measures you already have in place."

Surrey Police are also instructing people to keep the chain on their front door and ask for identification if someone comes to their house.

Insp Rimmer said: "With you help we can stop bogus callers duping innocent householders and prevent them committing criminal activity."

Anyone who receives a call, either on the phone or at the property, should call Surrey Police immediately on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference P09207585.