A NUMBER of complaints over the use of hard sale tactics by a security company have been received by West Devon's crime prevention officer. WPC Angie Frost has received complaints regarding a security company who use a separate sales company to make calls to the public to sell alarm systems and more. She said: 'We have been advised that they use hard sale tactics to get a first appointment and elderly members of our community have found this to be so intimidating they have contacted the police fearing that the company is not legitimate.' Due to legal reasons the name of the company cannot be released but WPC Frost said that when investing in a security system for home or business, it was not advisable to deal with cold callers or telesales enquiries. She said: 'Although many are honest, some are not and can be extremely persuasive. 'Examples of bad practices associated with cold calling and door step selling include pressure selling, unclear contracts, over priced security systems and unduly raising the fear of crime.' If members of the public have serious doubts about the legality or sales techniques being employed by this type of security company, they should contact the police or local government Trading Standards officers for advice. For further information on intruder alarm advice for domestic properties visit either http://www.securedbydesign.com">www.securedbydesign.com or http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch">www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch To contact National Security Inspectorate (NSI) visit http://www.nsi.org.uk">www.nsi.org.uk or Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) on http://www.ssaib.org">www.ssaib.org These two companies help protect the public and are non profit making. To reduce the number of unwanted calls received on landline or mobile register with the telephone preference service (TPS) by calling 0845 0700707 or by using their website http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps">www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps Anyone thinking of installing an alarm system and who lives in West Devon, can contact WPC Frost for further advice and information on 01822 813806.
