Issued By Cumbria County Council

BURGLAR ALARM SALESMEN TARGET THE ELDERLY

Elderly residents in the Kendal area are the latest targets of door-to-door burglar alarm salesmen who have been operating countywide.

The salesmen, who often act in teams of two, are targeting the old and vulnerable and have been using hard sell tactics, charging excessive prices and service charges. Cumbria Trading Standards and Cumbria Police have received many calls from concerned residents in the county.

Phil Ashcroft, Head of Cumbria Trading Standards, said: “My advice is not to buy from these door-to-door salesmen. Anyone who wants to buy a burglar alarm should go to a local company or company that has been recommended. Independent professional advice is available from the Crime Prevention Officer at local police stations.”

The doorstep visit from these salesmen is sometimes preceded by a telephone call advising that a representative who is in the area will pay a visit. The advice is, in these circumstances, to say no and put the phone down.
 
Notes for Editors:

People have a seven-day cooling off period when the goods or services they buy, as a result of an unsolicited visit, cost more than £35. 
This also applies if the visit results from an unsolicited phone call.

For more information please contact Ann Barnes, Media Officer, Cumbria County Council, on 01228 606332 email ann.barnes@cumbriacc.gov.uk