Fire safety officers and police today urged householders in Bradford to be on their guard against doorstep salesmen offering to fit smoke and burglar alarms.

Their warnings came after Rights and Wrongs was contacted by Maureen Wilkes following a Saturday night visit at her home in Bankfoot.

"This very shabby man knocked at the door and said he could fit us smoke alarms for free," she said.

"We let him in and he then told us they would cost £47 for four.

"We pointed out you could buy them for about £5 in some supermarkets and DIY stores and he then tried to sell us a burglar alarm for £379 plus VAT with free fitting.

"He wouldn't tell us which company he was with and he would only say his name was Mr Jackson.

"We found out afterwards he had been to an elderly neighbour living on her own and she eventually had to set off a panic alarm because he had his foot in the door and wouldn't go away.

"I am just worried that people who are vulnerable may fall for it and pay out money they can't afford when they could have bought the alarms for less."

A police spokesman said: "We would advise people not to buy any smoke or burglar alarms from people who come knocking on the door.

"First of all you want a properly set up and constituted company which can provide you with the proper fitments and a guarantee and someone to go to if something goes wrong.

"It's also worth remembering the major companies generally speaking don't need to canvass by knocking on doors to get sales.

"The police do not specify individual firms to supply and fit burglar alarms but we strongly recommend you use companies which are members of a national trade organisation.

"A list of these organisations can be obtained by phoning you local police crime prevention officer or the police Golden Number 0845 60 60 60 6."

Station Officer Jack Womersley, of the West Yorkshire fire safety department, said doorstep smoke alarm sellers had already been reported in the Baildon, Shipley and Odsal areas.

"We are trying to get the message across to people that they don't have to pay anyone to have a smoke alarm fitted.

"Charging £47 for four alarms is outrageous - they should cost about £12 from any DIY shop.

"If you can't fit them yourself, you can ring the fire safety department on Bradford 750400 and we will then make an appointment to come out and fit them for you free.

"And while we are there we will carry out a free fire risk assessment of your home.

"We will also provide fire alarms free in certain circumstances to people in financial difficulties."

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