Police warning over burglar alarm salesmen

2:29am Wednesday 1st August 2007

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HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned to beware of security alarm salesmen falsely claiming to be working with Essex Police.

The warning from crime reduction officer Ray Stannard followed a spate of complaints from Essex residents about two companies whose salesmen had used unethical methods to pressure customers into buying their product.

Mr Stannard said: "One company tells people they have been selected by the police to receive an introductory offer of an alarm which will be connected to the police via a Group 4 monitoring station. Sometimes they make the recipient believe the alarm will go straight to the police station."

He said Essex Police were involved in no such offers. Mr Stannard added: "This is just a sales drive. Buyer beware."

Telesales staff from another security alarm company had been frightening customers into buying products at what police considered "inflationary prices" by telling them they lived in a high-risk area.

Mr Stannard said: "Nowhere down here is a high-risk area."

He said the companies were operating legitimately, but their salemen were using unethical techniques.

Mr Stannard said homeowners should get at least three quotes from reputable companies be-fore deciding.

Anyone considering having a security alarm installed at their home can ring him on 01245 212549 for advice.