Direct Response Security On Rogue Traders

[james.wilson]

Watchdog tonight showed a sting where Direct Security were involved.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2010/06/rogue_directresponse.html

Our actress has told the salesman that she was worried about crime which is the reason why she's interested in purchasing a burglar alarm. Mr Hook uses this opportunity to prey on those fears and starts telling tales of how burglaries have destroyed the lives of people he has met.

"People have taken their lives as a result of burglary, people have got divorced as a result of burglary, it's one of the most devastating things. A gentleman said to me, 'I've no idea, you know, what a sexual rape feels like' he said 'but my wife feels absolutely soiled as a result'".

Graeme Dow is not impressed so far and thinks Christopher Hook is using scare techniques to win himself a sale.

"None of these have anything to do with burglar alarms, so it's quite a disgraceful approach to try and sell by fear".

But then Mr Hook makes an extraordinary claim. He says Direct Response is in "constant link and connection with the nearest police car to your home at the instant the incident occurs" and says they don't even have to call through to the police station. Graeme begs to differ.

"Absolute and utter tripe. All phone calls go through to the alarm receiving centre to the police control room. The police control room contact the police car. There is no way under the sun, that this could ever be remotely true. Blatant lies".

Direct Response Security Systems Ltd has since written to us, and told us they think neither Chris Hook nor the company have done anything wrong.

I did think that these sort of tactics had been removed from our industry. I find it worrying that it takes watchdog to highlight this. As i work for an NSI gold company i have to ask myself how on earth can these sort of things happen and not be handled by the inspectorate. This must have been going on for some time. Im shocked to say this firm are an NSI silver firm (not gold i will add) but i will have to ask for comment from them as to what complaints etc have been recieved.

James

[james.wilson]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00snmv6/Watchdog_03_06_2010/

1st section @ 12:07

2nd section @ 30:39

3rd section @ 50:00

James

[james.wilson]

I have spoke to the NSI regarding this issue. I did think that this srt of thing couldnt happen with an approved company. Frankly im very disappointed. This IMHO damages the industry as whole and many people will think we are all the same. Im concerned that it takes watchdog to raise this issue and im embarresed to say that self regulation IMO has failed here.

Im told that the sales guy in question has now been dismissed by the firm, and i assume their stance is that this was a one off incident etc.

NSI informed me that a decision is yet to be taken on further investigation on this, but id hope and assume that some sort of action will be taken. One issue though is that there is no way for the general public to find out those findings or if any action is taken as its confidential between the company and NSI. I will be speaking to the cheif executive to voice my concerns and will update you once i have done this.

taken from the NSI website

• operating to the highest level of business excellence through achievement of the industry specific ISO 9001 Quality Management system(NACOSS Gold only)?

NSI NACOSS Gold & Systems Silver approved companies can answer 'yes' to these questions. NSI provides the most rigorous inspection process to ensure that all its approved companies continuously meet the highest standards.

Taken from the SSAIB website

Certificated providers must also demonstrate technical competence and ethical conduct when it comes to providing fire detection and alarm or security services to your business.

I have also tried to speak to the SSAIB but i am awaiting a call from Geoff Tate so have no infomation on this yet.

I do also wonder what ACPO's position is on this as security companies are not even allowed to picture a police car etc on their marketing infomation, however i have never thought about claiming we had a link to off duty coppers and the police cars themselves.

[Guest RJBsec]

I have also tried to speak to the SSAIB but i am awaiting a call from Geoff Tate so have no infomation on this yet.

We know the feeling

I do also wonder what ACPO's position is on this as security companies are not even allowed to picture a police car etc on their marketing infomation, however i have never thought about claiming we had a link to off duty coppers and the police cars themselves.

Not on the pictures issue, but a year or so ago the same type of issue of overselling, particularly to the elderly, was raised by the Wiltshire Police regarding St John's Security (SSAIB Approved) and the SSAIB were tasked to investigate. The result of the investigation seemed to clear St John's saying that the problem seemed to be caused by a call centre working on St John's Security's behalf ... now guess who the call centre belonged to!

I would also like to draw your attention to a security company, Sureshield/Brute Force Security, who are associated with Direct Response Security and St Johns Security, and are currently being investigated by Trading Standards at Bristol. They are companies that Regional Police Forces have had serious problems with in the past. They target older people and imply connections to Neighbourhood Watch, Group Four Security, the Police and Age Concern, offering a ‘free’ security system. There is a charge for the contract which may cost between £2,000 and £5,000. It is illegal for companies to offer police monitored alarm systems if they are not accredited or authorised to do so. Do not enter into any contract with a security company without taking advice as to their credibility first. You can contact Derek Barron, Alarms Manager, Wiltshire Police on 01380 734118 who holds a list of accredited alarm companies for advice.

Neighbourhood Watch Report

{Edit www.westwilts-communityweb.com/site/.../November%2008%20Word.doc }

There's a long history of this type of selling and it has never been properly dealt with either by NSCIA, NACOSS, NSI or latterly SSAIB.

[alterEGO]

There was/is that other lot based in Stockport 'SAS', not sure if they are approved but its just same idea. Most of them came via direct response at one point, ex-sales staff etc setting up on their own.

[arfur mo]

................As i work for an NSI gold company i have to ask myself how on earth can these sort of things happen and not be handled by the inspectorate. This must have been going on for some time. Im shocked to say this firm are an NSI silver firm (not gold i will add) but i will have to ask for comment from them as to what complaints etc have been recieved.

James

ithis is either de' shar view, or i think this is where i came in?

only way to settle this - FIGHT!!!

Arfur

[james.wilson]

just voicing my own personal opinion on this. I should stay impartial but its very difficult on this sort of subject.

[arfur mo]

just voicing my own personal opinion on this. I should stay impartial but its very difficult on this sort of subject.

Arfur

PS NSI

[Cubit]

Whilst not as bad as Direct Response, here's an example of yet another, old, single pensioner being sold a system - SSAIB this time.

And no, they didn't even fit all the kit stated AND the two rooms in the bungalow most likely to get turned over have NO protection/detection.

Neither does he get Security Guard (as stated).

As for the terms and conditions, well...

CCI15062008_00001.pdf

[Oxford]

Just watched it on iplayer and I must say they are very interesting sales techniques, I might have to adopt some of them!! Seem to get results judging by the motors they are driving! :hmm: