POOLE residents are being warned to be on their guard against opportunist thieves and rogue traders taking advantage of the digital TV switchover.

The first stage of the switchover comes to Poole and Bournemouth on Wednesday when the old analogue television signal is switched off and replaced with digital.

Any TV set that’s not ready to receive a digital signal after the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes.

Andy Shimmen, Borough of Poole trading standards officer, said: “During the switchover process we’ve seen reports from trading standards services elsewhere in the country of rogue traders targeting vulnerable householders and charging well over the odds for replacement aerials or set top boxes.

“They might also try selling them equipment that is totally unnecessary or tell customers they need to buy a digital aerial from them – something which doesn’t even exist.”

Residents are also warned to be wary that bogus callers don’t use the switchover as an opportunity to gain access.

“There are known links between rogue traders and distraction burglars and we know that they’ve used the switchover as a tactic elsewhere,” said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment.

“Our advice is not to deal with anyone who knocks on your door without a prior appointment trying to sell you a new aerial or television equipment or offering to check out your old one.”

Residents needing help with the switchover can visit the website digitaluk.co.uk or call 08456 505050 and assistance for the over 75s may be available through the BBC’s Help Scheme.