With the prospect of fewer policemen patrolling the streets of the UK once the regional police forces make their enforced cuts in job numbers, household insurance and home security are going to be high on the list of homeowner’s priorities.
Despite the number of jobs going, Home Secretary Theresa May says the number of front line police officers should not be affected, but homeowners across the country are already making their own provisions on security upgrades. It also seems that as usual, unscrupulous traders are trying to benefit from the situation.
Beware of geeks offering gifts
The switchboard at Surrey Police headquarters has been lighting up with members of the public reporting a scam and Trading Officers in the County have also been alerted. Apparently members of the public are being plagued by a firm asking them to do a survey, which involves technical information about products they are keen to sell; they then finish the phone call by telling them they have qualified for a free burglar alarm.
The scam is one that has been tried in various areas of the country and homeowners should be wary of anyone cold calling and offering free gifts. In this case the burglar alarm is indeed free, however, installation costs £300 and the sales pitch involves home owners signing a maintenance contract that could well cost them £5,000. The well versed conmen will tell the poor homeowner that he will save that much in reduced home contents insurance due to his improved security.
Ask a friend
Obviously home security is all important and should not be skimped upon, but your local police force will put you in touch with a crime prevention officer who can give you independent advice on security devices and systems. A search on the internet or your local yellow pages will give a list of local companies who provide security services and failing that there is bound to be a neighbour with a security system installed. Ask them about theirs and who installed it, word of mouth usually finds a good tradesman. Security alarms can now be bought from DIY stores such as Homebase and B&Q and you can save a lot of cash if you can install a system yourself.