[16  MAY 00] WARWICKSHIRE CONSTABULARY NEWS
Rugby Warning Over Security Alarm Sellers

People living in Rugby have been warned not to fall victim to door-to-door salesmen using pushy tactics to sell security systems.

Police and Trading Standards Officers have issued the alert after hearing of cases of representatives of the firms asking questions about householder’s’ existing security levels.

They have reportedly been making dubious claims about local burglary statistics and claim that they are supported by the local police.

Warwickshire Trading Standards officers say they are concerned that the companies are using hard-sell tactics to encourage people to buy systems that are often over-priced and unsuitable.

They say they are particularly concerned that elderly and vulnerable people might be targeted by these tactics.

Consumers considering purchasing an alarm are being urged not to rush into it.

They should get at least quotes from reputable local companies, ideally those approved by NACOSS – the National Approval Council on Security Systems.

Police Crime Prevention officers can also give advice on home security.

PC Carolyn Went from the Rugby Community Safety Unit said:

“I would strongly advise anyone considering an intruder alarm to take their time and not be rushed in to a bad purchase.”

Anyone who signs a contact on the doorstep following a visit that was not arranged does have seven days in which to cancel it.

However, Trading Standards Officers care concerned that householders who feel foolish at having succumbed to a doorstep stales team in the first place, may not admit their mistake until it is too late, by which time they might be in a great deal of debt.

Cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed. It is an offence not to do so and any contract that is not accompanied by cancellation rights cannot be enforced.

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