Free Burglar Alarms

Be alarmed by offers of 'free' burglar alarms, urges Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Trading Standards

Trading standards across the country are reporting complaints of companies scaring consumers into accepting a free burglar alarm which then ties the victim to a contract costing thousands of pounds.

Trading Standards are urging consumers to say no to companies offering these free appliances, claiming they are working with the police or as part of a Government scheme, or that they are researching for a fire and security alarm system company.

The salesman will typically cold call, keen to make a home visit the same day to discuss the installation of a free or cheap alarm. The companies are reported to use high pressure tactics and to scaremonger about rising crime levels in the area, while some are reported to make misleading claims about the alarms being directly linked to the police or the availability of a hotline to police patrol cars.

What they fail to mention are the fees that residents will have to pay for the monitoring, upkeep and rapid response facilities, which can add up to thousands of pounds.

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

Consumers who sign on the dotted line will have a seven day cooling off period during which they can change their minds.

These companies seem to be working their way from one area to another so we would urge residents across the country to be on their guard.

Simon Wilkinson, Principal Trading Standards Officer says ‘Vale residents should never feel rushed to sign up to anything and remember the mantra: any deal that is too good to be true, probably is. 

‘Talk to family, friends or neighbours if you are unsure or worried. Consumers should always use a company recommended buy a friend or found in a local approved trader scheme, and where possible ask for three quotes.

If you have experienced this kind of incident, please contact Citizens Advice on 08454 04 05 06 in the first instance.