Cheshire East Trading Standards are warning local residents to be on their guard following a series of reports to Trading Standards about home security companies cold-calling across the area.
In some cases, companies have offered to fit alarms for unusually low prices or even for free. Trading Standards are concerned this could then lead to additional costs surrounding the installation and the on-going maintenance of the system.
Cheshire East Council Deputy Leader, Brian Silvester, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Safer and Stronger Communities said: “In these situations, a common-sense approach is called for; if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
“Cheshire East Trading Standards encourages local residents to say ‘no’ to all cold-callers. If you are genuinely interested in purchasing an alarm system then always obtain at least three quotes and seek recommendations from friends and family.
“Should you agree to buy an alarm system at home you should be given notice of the right to cancel: this is known as a seven-day ‘cooling off’ period. If you are not given this information you cannot be held to the contract."
Householders are being asked to remain extra vigilant at this time and report any concerns to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
