Local residents are being warned about an alarm company that is falsely claiming to be working with the police.

The company are currently operating in the Lancaster and Morecambe areas and sales staff and are contacting householders by telephone before using high pressure tactics to make arrangements for their sales teams and installers to call at the address.

Often, residents are offered a burglar alarm for just £1 – but hidden ‘maintenance’ costs can then bump this up to £7,000.

Elaine Betts, neighbourhood watch co-ordinator, said; “If anyone is approached by this company, they must not feel pressured into agreeing to business on their doorstep. Often what may seem like a bargain at the time can be found cheaper from alternative retailers and advice is available from the crime prevention office who can supply information about choosing a domestic intruder alarm for your home.”

The crime prevention office also offers free crime prevention advice about any issue and we would encourage people to come and talk to us if they need any advice.”

• For further advice, you can either visit or call the crime prevention team on 01524 596988 or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.