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Cheshire police issue warning over alarm offer

Published: 7th April 2010 17:32

Police in the west of Cheshire are warning residents to be wary of so called offers from security firms fitting "free" alarms.

Western area crime prevention advisor, Dave Owens, has received phone calls from concerned residents about salesmen cold calling them and offering free or low cost monitored security alarms.

The monitoring fees are then added on to the price, escalating the cost to thousands of pounds.

Mr Owens said: "I and trading Standards were able to intervene for one lady recently who had signed over a cheque for £2,500 for a 'free' alarm she didn't need. She cancelled the cheque on our advice.

"These companies often claim to be calling on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch or a similar organisation. This is not the case and I would urge anyone thinking of getting an alarm fitted not to buy from cold callers.

"My advice would be to get three written quotes, one from one of the bigger, national companies and one from personal recommendation from friends, family or neighbours before making a decision."

If you are unsure about the credentials of a company who is cold calling you, contact Trading Standards or the police on 0845 458 0000.

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