POLICE AND TRADING STANDARDS ISSUE WARNING FOR RESIDENTS BEING OFFERED SECURITY ALARMS

POLICE and trading standards are issuing warnings to residents to be on their guard if they are offered security alarms by telephone callers or door to door callers.

The warning follows an incident last Wednesday when an 80-year-old man was phoned and offered a security visit later that afternoon.

The male immediately became suspicious and phoned police.

Mike Sibley, Crime Prevention Officer for Watford, said: “If you have decided your property would benefit from an alarm system it is advisable to use a reputable alarm company who install European Standards and are accredited to SSAIB and NSI.

When investing in security systems for your home or business it is not advisable to deal with telesales or doorstop callers.

Only speak to installers that offer you a written quotation without obligation. Turn away any company that try and shock you into purchasing with stories of burglaries in your locality If you feel a particular company has tried “hard sell” tactics you should consider contacting the police or trading standards.

“If you have any doubt or concerns please contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on 0845 33 00 222.”

Police and trading standards have issued the following advice:

What do you do if you are faced with a suspicious caller?
• Rule One: Not sure? Don't open the door!
If you are not expecting anyone and you don't recognise them, don't let them into your home. A genuine caller won't mind coming back at a time when you can arrange to have somebody you trust with you.
• Rule Two: If you are expecting a caller
If a person you are expecting comes at the time you have arranged, open the door using your chain and ask to see their identification.
• Rule Three: Never keep large amounts of cash at home put it in the bank where it is safe.

If you feel that your caller is suspicious:
Call the non-emergency number on 0845 3300222 to report suspicious activity.
Call 999 if you suspect a crime is in progress.
Your call could help us apprehend even more criminals and stop them visiting someone else in your street.

June 2010