Home security cold callers warning

Surrey Police and local Trading Standards are warning residents to be wary of cold callers who initially make contact by phone, claiming they work with local agencies to provide home security systems. 

In the past few weeks, a number of residents across the county have reported receiving a cold call about home security and the caller then tries to sell home security products or offers them a free burglar alarm.

During the call it is implied that the company is, either working directly with the local authorities including the police, or undertaking research on their behalf. Some have also claimed to guarantee a police response to any alarm activation. The caller will often say that the alarm is free but fails to mention the installation charge and ongoing maintenance agreement.  Please note that these companies are not local to Surrey and do not have any specific local knowledge.

Surrey Police is not working in conjunction with any private home security company and we do not endorse particular products. Surrey Trading Standards Service is now investigating the companies involved.

If you are considering installing an intruder alarm system, you can obtain independent home security advice from your local Crime Reduction Advisor, PC 1836 Mike Bessent, by calling Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (e.g. a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.