Powys council's warning over free burglar alarm offer

Residents have been targeted in Brecon

Residents are being warned about a scheme offering free burglar alarms, which could tie victims into a contract costing thousands of pounds.

Powys council's trading standards service said a company providing alarms had targeted people in Brecon.

It said companies offering the alarms claimed to be working with police as part of a government scheme.

The companies are reported to use high pressure tactics and "scaremonger" about rising crime levels in the area.

Some firms make misleading claims about the alarms being directly linked to the police or patrol cars, a council spokesperson said.

The companies failed to mention the fees for the monitoring, upkeep and responding to the alarms, which can add up to thousands of pounds.

Remember the mantra - any deal that is too good to be true, probably is Powys principal trading standards officer Clive Jones

Some people have found themselves tied into a six-year contract costing up to £6,000.

Graham Brown, council board member responsible for trading standards, said: "Consumers who sign on the dotted line will have a seven-day cooling off period during which they can change their minds.

"But if they then agree in writing for installation to take place within this period they are waiving their consumer rights.

"These companies seem to be working their way from one area to another so we urge Powys residents to be on their guard."

Principal trading standards officer for Powys Clive Jones said consumers should "never feel rushed to sign up to anything".

He added: "Remember the mantra - any deal that is too good to be true, probably is."