POLICE have warned home owners about the sales tactics used by a burglar alarm company now operating in Huddersfield.

SAS Fire and Security Systems stays within the law, but its presence has sparked a series of police complaints after allegations of “high pressure” selling techniques.

West Yorkshire officers have reacted to claims made by some of the firm’s employees by saying they would never particularly partner one security firm.

In February the Examiner reported the concerns of one woman whose elderly parents were visited by the group.

She said Home Office statistics were used over the course of two hours to suggest there was a high likelihood of being burgled in Huddersfield. The security system offered would cost an incredible £20,000.

Even more worryingly, the house already had a fully functioning alarm system.

The firm was also banned from Tesco stores for canvassing on their property without permission.

Recent complaints to police in Huddersfield included concerns about aggression from telephone callers and misleading suggestions that the alarms are free.

In several instances worried victims have called their families for help.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “It is simply not the case that the police would work with one security company above any others.

“We are pleased to see that people are contacting the police to raise concerns about alleged high-pressure selling techniques and would encourage vulnerable residents to call us if they feel they are being intimidated or do not think a caller at their door is legitimate.

“We would also ask that people report any such callers to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.”

David Lodge, divisional manager of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “If you are dealing with a trader who comes to the door you don’t have to buy anything there and then.

“It should also be remembered that if the call is unsolicited you can change your mind in the seven-day cooling off period.”

SAS fire and security spokesman Steve Wilson said: “In America there is an awareness of the requirement for security and here it is reactive.

“If you get burgled it’s after the event.

“We take a proactive approach and make people aware of the statistics.

“We like to think we operate within the guidelines and if people do not they are dismissed.

“I think complaints are a question of volume. A big firm like Tesco is far more likely to have people who are unhappy than a small trader and we are one of the largest security firms.”

The Examiner asked Mr May if the calls were just a random cross section, why did the recent complainants all happened to be elderly?

He responded by saying that older customers were more likely to have an awareness of crime issues and request a call back.