Alarm companies cold calling in your area
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
Message sent by
Lindsay Donnelly (Police, Administrator, Nottinghamshire)
Please be aware that we have been notified of a company cold calling at residents homes in your area trying to sell monitored intruder alarm systems at inflated prices.
In light of this we would like to offer residents the following advice:
- Don’t feel pressured into buying the product the cold caller is trying to sell you. If you are not interested in what they are trying to sell, you don’t have to buy it.
- Try to get at least three written quotations from different businesses and ask how long they are valid for.
- Don’t automatically choose the lowest quote; check what the quote includes first.
- Try and go with businesses that have been recommended through friends, family and trusted neighbours. Alternatively, for a list of approved alarm companies in your area visit www.nsi.org.uk. You could also use the Trading Standards website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk to check for vetted suppliers in your area.
Most homes under normal circumstances do not require a monitored alarm system. Purchasing a monitored alarm system involves a monthly monitoring cost typically of around £30, as well as purchasing the alarm system. Other less costly options are available such as auto-dialling alarms which will sound an alarm when the alarm is activated and will dial a series of programmed telephone numbers. This allows the receiver to respond to the alarm activation.
If you are suspicious of a trader cold calling in your area please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.
For further advice and information on dealing with cold callers please see our dealing with unexpected callers leaflet.