Telephone Sales - Home Security
Cold Calling is Alarming News for Cheshire Householders
In recent months there has been a significant increase in the use of cold calling techniques by telephone sales companies to promote the sales of security products. Whilst the majority of such calls are from bona-fide companies, blanket coverage in areas of Cheshire have resulted in numerous enquiries to the police seeking both reassurance and advice as to the callers origins.
The current problem arises from companies, for the most part based outside Cheshire, who are attempting to sell home security devices by arranging appointments for sales staff to visit householders at a later date. The callers are persistent and are reluctant to take no for an answer.
Worryingly, some of these companies appear to be deliberately targeting the more vulnerable members of the community.
Police advice is that if you are genuinely interested in purchasing an alarm for your home, consider the following points:
- Obtain quotes from at least three reputable companies, preferably those that are personally known to you or have been recommended by friends.
- Use only those companies that are registered to police recognised trade associations such as SSAIB or NACOSS.
This should ensure standard of workmanship, product quality, and adequate after-sales service combined with comeback in the event of any problems that may develop.
Ensure you contact your house insurers and ask for their advice. Many Insurers will specify a particular trade association or companies whose quality of work they are satisfied with.
Ensure you contact your house insurers and ask for their advice. Many Insurers will specify a particular trade association or companies whose quality of work they are satisfied with.
All fitted alarms should be to British Standard 4737, if not don't buy it.
If you fit one yourself and you are competent to do so, it should conform to British Standard 6707. Please remember that as well as offering little protection to your home, false activation's through improperly installed devices are the cause of considerable neighbour nuisance and are subject to noise legislation.
Ensure you enquire about the after sales service such as servicing the alarm.
FINALLY, in respect of salespersons who call at your home, police advice is to always check the credentials of the individual and the company they represent, never allow anyone access to your home if you are not completely satisfied, and never sign any kind of contract without first seeking advice. This is regardless of any inducements that you may be offered at the time.
If residents are approached and feel discomforted by the sales techniques of such telesales persons, then contact your local Community Safety Officer.
The Community Safety Officers can be contacted on the following direct phone lines:
Andrea Robinson - Community Safety Officer (Congleton Area)
Cheshire Constabulary Congleton & Vale Royal Division
Chester Way
Northwich
CW9 5EP
Tel: 01244 614230
Peter Kenny - Community Safety Officer (Vale Royal Area)
Cheshire Constabulary Congleton & Vale Royal Division
Chester Way
Northwich
CW9 5EP
Tel: 01244 613285
Debbie Johnson - The WATCH Officer can be contacted on the following direct phone line 01606 49000.
Community Safety Officers are also able to provide FREE advice and guidance on security measures to a standard, which complies with the Association of British Insurers, recommendations and will ensure a sound level of security in and around your home.
If you do not wish to be subjected to random telesales, then you can have your details simply and expediently removed by ringing the Telephone Preference Service on 0800 398893.
You will be guided through an automated menu. Once into the menu, preference 1 should be selected.
By answering a series of questions in respect of your subscriber details, British Telecom will remove your telephone number from the database used by such companies. You will receive written confirmation that the process has been completed within 28 days.
