Neighbourhood Watch Reports
If you have any knowledge, observation or evidence to assist Maidstone Police in solving the crimes listed below, kindly contact Maidstone Neighbourhood Watch Office on 01622 604395 or email the Kent Community
Messaging service at:
mailto:[email protected] giving the Crime Report reference as well as any details you wish to contribute.
POLICE ADVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC - October 2010
SEEKING INFORMATION ON SECURITY COMPANIES
To obtain information on companies who supply and install security systems such as Intruder Alarms / Personal Attack Alarms / CCTV systems etc., within your locality, we advise you contact the following Independent Inspectorate Bodies who will furnish you with the relevant details (the Police are not able to provide this information): -
NSI(National Security Inspectorate)
Sentinel House, 5 Reform Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 8BY
Tel: 01628 637512 Fax: 01628 773367 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nsi.org.uk
SSAIB(Security Systems & Alarm Inspection Board)
The Smoke Houses, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 1JE.
Tel: 0191 296 3242 Fax: 0191 296 2667 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ssaib.org
Independent Inspectorates are not-for-profit approval bodies who carry out inspection services for the security industry and protect customer interests. They themselves are governed by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), the sole accreditation service recognised by the Government.
Please note - if you are also planning to invest in the type of security system that would receive automatic police response to its alarm activations, then only security companies ‘Approved’ by an Independent Inspectorate Body and who are Listed with the Police Force in your locality are permitted to offer this service.
Once you have obtained details from an Independent Inspectorate Body of ‘Approved’ security companies, who install security systems in your locality to the required European/British Standards, compliant with the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) Police Response to Security Systems Policy, we advise: -
(a) Before disclosing personal security details, check the address and credentials of the company and proof of identify from their representative.
(b) You obtain written quotations from at least two security companies.
(c) Ask if the security company representative can provide you with a list of police rules for occupiers of ‘monitored’ alarmed premises and also written confirmation that they are currently registered with the Police Force in your area, for the transmission of alarm activations from new installations?
(d) You ensure that the quotation specifies that the installation will be to European/British Standards for that relevant security system. Also, does it include the terms of maintenance and monitoring contracts?
(e) Does the company operate a 24-hour call-out service and emergency attendance within four hours?
(f) Is the installation of a security system a requirement of my insurance company and if so, is the security company acceptable to my insurer?
PLEASE NOTE- When investing in Security Systems for your home or business it’s not advisable to deal with Cold Callers or telesales enquiries – you should avoid doing doorstep or telephone business. Many Traders who call at your door are honest and genuine, however, some are not and can be extremely persuasive. Examples of bad practices associated with cold-calling and door-step selling include - pressure selling, unclear contracts, over priced security systems and unduly raising the fear of crime. If members of the public have serious doubts about the legality or sales techniques being employed by this type of security company, they should contact the Police or Trading Standards for advice.
For further information on intruder alarm advice for domestic properties visit www.securedbydesign.com and www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch