A device to protect residents from bogus officials is to be given to vulnerable and elderly people.

Called 'The Minder', the equipment is attached inside houses near the front door and contains a pre-recorded voice message, triggered by movement.

The message reminds people to check a caller's ID and put on door chains. It is being given out as part of a police operation to reduce the number of distraction burglaries.

The move comes after reports of a woman posing as an Eastbourne Borough Council officer.

The woman phoned several residents in the area attempting to arrange times to visit to interview them.

A council spokesman said: "No council officer is carrying out such a survey and householders are advised not to divulge any personal information in response to unsolicited telephone calls."

Eastbourne borough police commander Chief Inspector Marin Stevens warned vulnerable and elderly people to be on guard.

He said: "We hear many reports of cunning people who try to con their way into homes.

"We remind people that genuine callers will not mind being asked for identification."