Swann Services: threatening and suspicious letter

[maxpaterson]

We received a letter through the door yesterday from Swann Services claiming to be a contractor for Southwark council and demanding access to the communal area of our house otherwise they'd gain access via the services of a locksmith. They claim to have sought access on a number of occassions.

They are not specific about the work they wish to carry out which leaves me suspicious.

But it is their threatening and aggressive stance that makes me furious, particulary as we've burgled recently.

I've contacted them via the number quoted but had to leave a message and still awaiting a reply.

Has anyone else had this letter?

[vanessa520]

This happened to us recently cannot remember the company name but they were working on behalf of Hyde Housing. They wanted to check communal hall way said they had tried to call several times. Which is a lie.

Also said if we didn't contact them by a certain date they would change the locks.

I rang hyde housing and basically gave them an earful.

Nobody ever turned up.

But the company do the checks were fire safety company that had already came around 3 month before hand.

[pommie]

contact southwark council and see if its the real deal or not

[DulwichFox]

There is a Company called Swann that produce CCTV Security .

They are mainly for DIY installation but it may be that the Communal Area of your Property has CCTV from Swann.

Just a thought.

You need to speak with Southwak Council.

Fox.

[theasidonio]

The letter is genuine, I work for Swann's sister company. PM if you need further information.

[maxpaterson]

Hey all. Thanks for your replies. Southwark have confirmed this is genuine.

Swann could do with giving their letter writers a lesson in tact.

[theasidonio]

I will pass that on to them.

[Ginster]

I had the same several months ago. I fed back to Southwark and Swann about the manner of the letter - seems they haven't taken this on board!

They boxed in the electrics in our hallway (we're 2 flats in a converted terraced house). I believe this work is following the terrible fire in the tower block in Camberwell a couple of years ago so they are checking electrics etc.

They weren't always reliable in coming when planned which was annoying for my neighbour as it was her turn to wait in. The comment about the locksmith is terrible I think and I also was as concerned as you!