Residents warned about tactics of security alarm salesmen

The firm, which cannot be named because of legal proceedings, has been targeting elderly and vulnerable people in the area in the hope of supplying burglar or fire alarms at inflated prices.

Although the firm, which is based in the North-West, may offer to supply and install the alarms free of charge, the amount of money charged for monitoring and maintenance can run into thousands of pounds, East Riding Council has warned.

The council's portfolio holder for public protection, Coun Jane Evison, said: "Unfortunately disreputable firms often target older and more vulnerable residents by making unsolicited visits or telephone calls. Residents should be aware of this and treat all uninvited callers with caution."

The council is advising people be vigilant and take a series of steps to avoid being caught out.

It said people should check the identity of all callers, tell unexpected visitors they do not buy goods or services as a result of cold calling, ask a friend, neighbour or relative to be present if expecting a salesperson to call, and to think carefully whether they want the goods or services being offered.

Residents are also being urged to read any document thoroughly before deciding whether to sign it and to get at least three quotes to compare prices offered by different firms.

Finally, they are being urged to ask salespeople to leave if they are unhappy with the they are behaving.

The council's trading standards service manager, Colin Briggs, added: "When consumers are visited at home and agree a contract with the salesperson present, they should receive a notice of their cancellation rights.

"However, the vulnerable people targeted by these unscrupulous security firms have been encouraged to sign a declaration allowing work to begin straight away.

"This means that the work has been done and payment made before the consumers have had time to think about the cost."

Suspicious incidents can be reported to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.