Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Don't buy an intruder alarm over the phone...

The following has come from Wiltshire Police.

'Information has been received about a company which targets the elderly and vulnerable members of society with unsolicited telephone calls offering an intruder alarm system.

Sometimes there is a suggestion that the company is responding to a recent crime; at other times there is a suggestion they are working with or for the local police service. The company will cold call the householder and offer a 'free' alarm system. If the calls are accepted they then progress to using hard sell tactics to sign people up to monitoring contracts.

The prices quoted for alarm systems vary from free to a small selection of addresses as an advertisement to other properties to £5000/£6000 or more. If the system is offered free of charge, there is an administration fee. It is common for these companies not to be registered with any of the Security Industry Regulatory organisations.

Police advise never to buy goods from cold calling companies. If you require the service offered, research companies and get at least three quotes. Check if the company is registered with the Wiltshire Council Trading Standards Buy With Confidence Scheme. For alarms, ensure they are registered with the National Security Industry (NSI).'