There have been complaints about companies contacting householders by telephone, offering to install a free alarm system linked to the Police, Fire & Rescue and the Ambulance service.   Although they start by offering a free installation , they then go on to say that there will be a one off cost of around £200.  Those householders who have been tempted have then received a visit from a representative and after they have committed, the cost can rise to in excess of £3,000.

Our advice when purchasing alarm systems or security devices is as follows:  Find out from your Crime Reduction Officer what you actually need in terms of equipment to provide you with effective security.  It is in the business interest of the Alarm Company to sell you as much equipment as possible, so you may end up buying more than you need.  Always obtain written quotations from at least three bone-fide alarm companies who are either NACOSS or SSAIB approved alarm installers. This will give you the opportunity to compare costs.  All companies by law have to give you a  7 day calling off period after you have agreed to make a purchase.You should never agree to purchase any goods or services over the telephone or internet, or at your door, without checking out the supplier or provider first. Never sign a contract without reading all of the terms and conditions, as well as any written clauses.  Reputable companies will understand if you want to take some time to consider whether to purchase goods or services.  Those who put pressure on you to make an on the spot decision are likely to be doing so because they know you may be able to find cheaper or better products elsewhere. If you are ever in doubt about a purchase which you have made please contact:  Essex Trading Standards.  Tel:  08454 04 05 06 / 01799 510510  and please inform Essex Police of any incidents which relate to the contents of this message, using the Non-emergency number,  0300 333 4444.

 Bogus telephone calls:

We have had three separate reports of bogus telephone calls across Essex.  One used the pretext of DHSS winter fuel charges and claimed to need to check bank details.  The second claimed to be from a bus company conducting research, asking the recipient what times and days she normally used the bus service (and thereby telling them when she would be out).   The third report was about men pretending to be police officers contacting local people asking for PIN numbers.  In a call to a woman in Westmede, Chigwell, the men pretended to be officers calling from a police station, stating there had been fraudulent activity in her account. They went on to ask her for her PIN number. When she refused, they asked if she was refusing to comply, to which the woman replied yes and the call was terminated.Please be very wary about giving information to strangers over the telephone. If in doubt, ask the caller if you can call them back through their business number as it appears in either the BT Directory or Yellow Pages.

Garden Sheds: