REGARDING your article 'Alarm sounded over salesmen' (LET, February 28), an elderly, recently-widowed, confused neighbour had a visit from a burglar alarm company and was persuaded to have an alarm system fitted.

She was then taken down to the building society and asked to draw out £3,000 in cash for a system worth only a few hundred pounds. There was, of course, no receipt.

She cannot remember how to work the alarm (the key pad has been fitted upstairs) and it has gone off twice this week, leaving her very upset. Luckily, we were at home and were able to deal with it for her.

What a cruel thing to do to anyone, let alone a person elderly, bereaved, easily-confused and very obviously incapable of dealing with an alarm system.

Up until now my neighbour has been managing very well on her own with help from relatives. And if the government want people to stay in their own homes, then they must be protected.

If, however, this activity is not against the law, as your article states, then the law is clearly an ass and needs reforming urgently.

Name and address supplied