Ilkley residents have been warned not to fall victim to 'silver-tongued' salesmen offering over-priced burglar alarm systems.

PC Adrian Foyston, crime prevention officer for the Keighley police division, is concerned at cold calling tactics in Ilkley, Addingham and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The police have received several complaints from residents angered at being offered burglar alarms for huge sums.

PC Foyston said the police did not approve of such sales tactics and there were particular concerns about the vulnerability of elderly

residents.

Residents in all three communities have been approached by salesmen offering burglar alarm systems.

"In a couple of these cases, people have been quoted prices of £2,000. That is way over the odds," said PC Foyston.

The division's crime prevention officer said the police had a list of approved alarm installers and would be happy to advise householders on suitable companies.

PC Foyston said: "For the average three-bedroom semi-detached house, you can get a

perfectly good system for about £500-£600."

As well as the question of cost, police also believe the complaints from Ilkley residents raises the issue of bogus callers.

PC Foyston said no-one should allow strangers into their home without checking their identity.

"Official callers will not object if you ask to verify their identity," said PC Foyston.

Inspector Paul Clynch of Ilkley police is aware of the complaints and urged residents to follow PC Foyston's advice.

"I would endorse everything PC Foyston has said. If people are at all unsure about callers, under no circumstances should they let them in," he said.

"The message has to be one of caution,

particularly when large sums of money seem to be involved," he said.

l Anyone wanting crime prevention advice or a list of recommended burglar alarm companies can contact PC Foyston on 01535 617039 or Ilkley police on 01943 601060.

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