Don't be scared into buying extra security (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Don't be scared into buying extra security

8:00am Sunday 5th July 2009

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PEOPLE living in two villages near Worcester are being warned not to be scared into buying extra security equipment for their homes by a company claiming there has been a recent spate of burglaries in the area.

Neighbourhood watch co-ordninators in Powick and Callow End said a number of properties had been visited by a burglar alarm company claiming to be working alongside Worcestershire police to crack down on crime.

But at a Powick Parish Council meeting, Councillor Janet Bowen said the bogus claims were an attempt to scare people into spending money.

“There is a company who has been trying to scare people into buying burglar alarms by falsely claiming the high levels of burglaries have been carried out in the area,” she said.

“They have said they are working with West Mercia Police but we have spoken with the authorites and discovered that this is not the case.

“We are telling people who are contacted by this company to make a note of the company name then call the police to report it.”

West Mercia Police confirmed they are not working in conjunction with any alarm companies and urged people to report any suspicious sales tactics.

Chief inspector Jerry Reakes-Williams said: “We are aware of the issues and I have personally contacted one company to discuss its sales tactics and received assurances that it does not operate in this manner.

“However, an agreement has been reached where, if we can provide evidence of times and dates, the company will follow it up and take action.

“Police in south Worcestershire are not affiliated with any alarm companies and we have our own crime risk manager and local policing teams who are happy to visit homes and give security advice.

“Anyone with concerns about any such sales people approaching them should contact their local policing team, local neighbourhood watch co-ordinator or call 0300 3333000.”

In the Powick ward there were two reported burglaries in May and one reported in April.

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