There has been an increase in the number of older people receiving unsolicited telephone calls from a company called SAS Fire & Security or Crime Research UK offering the installation of security systems.

They often claim to be either:

• from a company fitting security systems linked to the local Police
• offering 4 houses in the road a free security system
• from a National Crime Prevention Unit and giving away 4 free alarms in the area
• from SAS and working in conjunction with the local Police
• offering monitoring alarm systems with a guaranteed response from the Police

Whilst the alarms are free or a nominal cost of £1, the ongoing maintenance costs are high and there is a cancellation fee.

The company call the local Police service and request an incident / log number to give the impression that they are authorised by the Police to call.

This company is being investigated by Scambusters and North Lanarkshire Trading Standards Services obtained an injunction from Edinburgh County Court under Section 217 of the Enterprise Act 2002.

The injunction bans the company from using approval of any authorised body including the Police, Government or Local Authority, or from describing the alarm as "free" or "gratis", or engaging in aggressive commercial practise.

This injunction is also enforceable in England

If you receive any calls from Crime Research UK or SAS Fire & Security you are requested to report these directly to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

It is recommended that you register with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce cold calls.

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