Surrey Police and Surrey Trading Standards are warning residents to be wary of cold callers who claim they work with local agencies to provide home security systems.

In the past few weeks a number of residents across the county have reported receiving a cold call asking them to take part in a survey about personal security in the home. The caller then tries to sell home security products or offers them a free burglar alarm.

During the call it is implied that the company is either working directly with the local authorities, including the police, or undertaking research on their behalf. Some have also claimed to guarantee a police response to any alarm activation. The caller will often say that the alarm is free but fails to mention the installation charge, which can be hundreds of pounds, plus an ongoing maintenance agreement that can cost £5,000 or more.

Surrey County Council and Surrey Police are not working in conjunction with any private home security company and do not endorse particular products.

Steve Playle, Trading Standards Officer at Surrey County Council, said: "Our advice would be not to deal with cold callers who either telephone or come to your doorstep. If you are looking to install home security, research the providers available independently and ask them for some quotes. You can also look at the Buy With Confidence website at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk which has a list of approved traders, including alarm companies that have been vetted by Surrey Trading Standards.

"If you do decide to install a new security system, be clear about the costs of installation and any ongoing charges such as monitoring costs which may be included but not obvious and take the opportunity to shop around. If you have any concerns you can also contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.

"Never feel pressurised to sign a contract immediately in exchange for an alleged discount. Just say you would like some time to think about it – genuine businesses will not mind if you do that."

Inspector Bob Jenkin from the Central Neighbourhood Team at Surrey Police, said: "While we encourage every resident to consider their home security and take precautions, Surrey Police does not endorse particular products or companies. If you have been contacted by a company claiming to be police approved or offering a guarantee of a police response, you should treat the call with caution and don't enter into any agreement without careful consideration.

"If you are considering installing an intruder alarm system, you can obtain independent home security advice from your local Crime Reduction Advisor by calling Surrey Police on 101."