27
Jun
2013
By Calvin at 08:26 GMT, 10 years ago
Bromley Police are issuing a warning about a security firm which is targeting elderly and vulnerable residents by cold calling them.
Police have received complaints about Direct Response Security, a company that supplies burglar alarms, after they were advising residents that they were undertaking a local campaign with the support of the local police and that their security systems have a "direct link to the nearest Police, Ambulance or Fire Engine for a direct and quick response".
In response, a spokesman for Bromley Police said: "We are not supporting any campaign with this company. If you have been approached by this company via a cold call or any other means we would urge homeowners to be very careful. We are not supporting any campaign with this company and no alarm system links into any police vehicle [or directly to a police station]. That is untrue and a quite ridiculous assertion to make.
“Residents can get free crime prevention advice simply by calling their local police Safer Neighbourhoods Team, or by calling 101 and requesting a visit from their local team".
Bromley Trading Standards have been alerted to the concerns of residents who have contacted the police.
TCPW Comment: These sort of tactics are sometimes used by sales people to make a fast buck, often without the knowledge of the alarm company for whom they work. In the past some of the sales people have shown prospective customers a whole bunch of ‘scene of crime’ photographs to worry them into buying a hugely overpriced alarm system. – a warning sign of unscrupulous sales tactics if ever there was one!
The clear and obvious answer to all of this is don’t buy things from cold callers at the door or over the phone – period!
If you want an alarm take a look at Burglar Alarms Advice on this website and go to either of these professional organisations (see below) to select your company and just because you see the logos of the NSI and or SSAIB on the company's website does not mean they are members. Search for them on these two websites first. Logos get misused!
National Security Inspectorate (NSI) http://www.nsi.org.uk/
SSAIB http://ssaib.org/
You know it makes sense!
Original Story Metropolitan Police: http://content.met.police.uk/News/Police-warning-over-firms-cold-calling/1400018228874/1257246745756
