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Security companies
Please note that there are a number of security companies operating in the area who specifically target single elderly people.
Once they are inside the house their sales technique is to raise the fear of crime of the resident and use high-pressure sales technique to sell security products such as alarms, CCTV cameras or security lights offer sold at up to ten times their real market value.
Within one or two days a fitter from the company returns to install the product and puts further pressure on the resident to buy additional security products.
The advice from the Police and Trading Standards to elderly people is clear. If you think any work needs to be done to your home get quotes from two or three companies for the work. Alarm companies should be members of an independent inspectorate such as the National Security Inspectorate or Security Systems & Alarms Inspections Board.
The alarms they fit should be manufactured and installed to the appropriate British Standards and any contractual terms and conditions should be supplied clearly in writing. If you live alone and feel vulnerable to pressure selling, always ask a friend or relative to be with you if you make an appointment.