Security firm on Rogue Traders
AMAIDSTONE-based security firm says it has reviewed the conduct of its staff after its selling tactics were the subject of a BBC Rogue Traders programme. Landmark Security Ltd, which is registered
atWestbrook House in Albion Street, admit- ted the undercover operation showed “inex- cusable sales techniques”.Amember of staff who put pressure on an elderly woman to part with her money has since been dis- missed.
However, the company insists its sales practices are ethical and says it has taken positive steps to ensure similar situations do not arise again. The investigation was sparked by a com-
plaint by 77-year-old Nesta Hollis, from Surrey, who claimed a company represen- tative offered her a free alarm system but said it would come with servicing and monitoring charges. She signed a contract for £7,098, which was for a 15-year servic- ing and monitoring contract. Presenter Matt Allwright orchestrated a
probe using hidden cameras and elderly actresses inquiring about the offer. Two separate visits from salesmen confirmed the offer – nearly £7,000 was wanted for the “free” alarm – and one of the sellers claimed the area had frequent burglaries. But Mr Allwright said: “This is not true
at all. In fact, at the time of the visit, within one mile of the home there were in fact just three burglaries.” Furthermore, Which? magazine did a survey three years ago that said the aver- age price of a system in south east of Eng- land was under £600. In the second visit, at a home in Kent,
the programme claimed a different actress had to tell a persistent salesman on 25 oc- casions that she was not interested in sign- ing up. At one point the seller put her on the phone to the head office to tempt her to change her mind. On leaving the home, the salesman is
seen by a hidden camera saying: “It’s un- fair what you’ve done… do you under-
Benefits changes IN our last issue, we said pro- posed cuts in council tax bene- fitswould not affect pensioners and single people living alone. In fact, only pensioners will remain unaffected. While there will be no change to the 25% single person discount that every council tax payer can claim if they are the sole adult living at an address, single peo- ple of working age, who re- ceive council tax benefit, will be affected in the same way as other households. If anyone is unclear about
how the proposed changes might affect them they should call Maidstone Borough Coun- cil on 01622 602557.
Oaks to be felled UK POWER Networks has been given permission to fell seven protected trees in Heath Wood, Sandy Lane, Penenden Heath.
Maidstone Council granted consent to ground five oaks that were said to be misshapen and stunted, alongwith a Scots pine and oak.
A team from Landmark Home Security stroked to victory in this year's BewlWater Dragon Boat Festival. Their team of burglars and robbers beat the set fund-raising target, raising £4,479 and winning a further £300 for Action for Children.
stand what you’ve done? You won’t accept that I’ve been through everythingwith you …it’s crystal clear what you’re going to get for your money, okay? It’s been made crys- tal blimmin’ clear, to you. “I think it’s been a complete waste of my
time don’t you think so? … Okay, well once again, thanks for wasting my time.” The programme said this outburst was followed by further phone calls to the ac- tress to try to change her mind. Security alarm industry expert Graeme
Dow told Rogue Traders: “You don’t have to give a reason. If you don’t want it, you don’t want it.” A statement released by Landmark Secu-
rities Ltd said: “The second salesman in- volved used inexcusable sales techniques at the end of a product presentation; pressure selling is not tolerated here at Landmark Se- curity. He was immediately suspended when the company was informed of the in- vestigation. Since the screening the sales- man concerned has been dismissed. “We have reviewed our sales policies
and procedures, taken on a customer care manager, used mystery shopper research and enabled confidential service feedback. “We urge anyonewho may have had any negative experience or anyone who is un- happy with any aspect of our business to contact us at watchdog@landmarkhomese-
curity.com.”
‘This behaviour will
never happen again’ LANDMARK Security began in 2009 and employs 60 people. Its managing director, Bearsted resident
Liam Walsh (30), said: “The behaviour of the second salesman on the programme is not something we would promote or sup- port. We have got to make sure there is never a repeat of this. “When the programme aired I was wor-
ried about the response, but we have not had one customer ring in and complain. Their reaction has been one of support and surprise. “One of our policies is that for anybody
over the age of 80, we insist they have someonewith them; for example, a family friend, neighbour or somebody they trust. In the real complaint, the lady [Nesta Hol- lis] had her son with her and he was com- plicit with the decision-making process.” In terms of charging over £7,000 for the security package, he said: “I would never say we were cheap, but there is a lot to be said about payingmoney up frontwithout having to be saddled with direct debit payments for many years. “We approach it from a different angle
and £7,000 is an extreme example of what we cost.”
Cars are stars of village show BLUSTERY rain greeted the crowd for the fifth annual Classic Cars on the Green in Bearsted. The organisers were hopeful of improving on their 2011 figure of £1,169 raised for the Kent Air Ambulance be- cause the latest event boasted more vehicles, morestalls in the farmers’ market section of Bearsted Green and also had two volunteers – Kelly and Elika – walking around collecting contributions from the public. Amongthe vehiclesondisplaywere oneof the last Morris Minor post
vans to be built (dating from 1972), and this stunning Austin Seven, which brothers Joshua (3) and Callum (5) inspectedwith their dad.
Teachers dance in pupil’s memory TEACHERS from Invicta Grammar School have taken part in the Cardiff Dance Marathon to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The charity has a special place in the hearts of staff and students
at Invicta, following the death of student Amanda Slann, who lost her battle against leukaemia in the last school year. Dance teacher Tanya White and PE teacher Bev Parish com- pleted 26.2 miles of dancing through Cardiff, finishing 10 hours later in Cardiff Bay. So far, they have raised almost £800, and money is still coming in. Anyone who would like to donate can do so at
www.justgiving.com/Dance-for-Amanda
To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 Criminals hit
Pilgrims’ Way RESIDENTS near the Pilgrim’s Way between Detling and Hollingbourne and along Hock- ers Lane have become worried about a spate of crimes. Two vehicles have been stolen, and one car crashed through a fence. One of the stolen vehicles was found aban- doned on the North Downs; the other was used in a theft of cop- per cabling from Coldharbour. A break-in has also occurred
in the area and residents have noticed an old green Ford Focuswith twomen apparently observing properties. Police called to one report of suspi- cious behaviour stopped aman seen walking past remote homes, but released him. Criminal behaviour has also
been reported in Pope’s Wood, with one resident finding a coin box from a phone box. On another occasion a man
was seen emptying fuel from jerry cans into his tank. No arrests have yet been
made although police are in- vestigating.
East 35
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