Alert over 'free alarms' sales claims

Complaints have been made about firms offering free alarms which tie the customer to a contract costing thousands of pounds, often by people claiming to be working with the police or as part of a Government scheme.

A salesman will typically call uninvited and be keen to make a home visit the same day to discuss a free or cheap alarm.

The companies are reported to be using high-pressure tactics and scaremongering.

Some make misleading claims about the alarms being directly linked to the police, or a hotline to police patrol cars.

What they fail to mention are the fees residents will have to pay for the monitoring, upkeep and rapid response facilities.

Some victims have found themselves tied to a six-year contract costing up to 6,000.

Neil Clark, principal trading standards officer, said: "We would urge people to be wary of companies which call uninvited and always check what you are agreeing to, especially if their products are being offered for free or at a highly discounted rate."