No Hiding Place For Rogue Security Firms

New laws banning unfair sales practices will force unscrupulous security firms selling intruder alarms and CCTV systems to home owners to clean up their act.

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 came into effect on 26 May 2008 and will affect all businesses that deal directly with consumers, banning 31 unfair trading practices.

Aggressive sales tactics employed by unscrupulous security companies, such as refusing a person’s request to leave their home, or providing deceptive information, such as false claims about high local crime rates, are now prohibited. 

The new legislation is especially welcome for elderly and vulnerable people who are often targeted by representatives from unregulated companies more interested in protecting their own bank balances, than providing effective home security for their customers.

While welcoming the ban on unfair sales practices, NSI is urging homeowners considering buying an electronic security system, such as an intruder alarm, to always use a professional company with approval from an independent inspection body, such as NSI.

Companies with NSI approval meet the requirements of the Police and insurers and are subject to a rigorous six-monthly inspection process to ensure they continuously meet the highest standards.  NSI offers a complaints service if customers of NSI approved companies have an unresolved issue of a technical nature.

2 June 2008