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NOMINATED NEIGHBOUR |
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| In an attempt to combat the incidence
of Bogus Callers and other Doorstep Crime against vulnerable older
adults in North East Lincolnshire, HANWaG in partnership with Humberside
Police, Neighbourhood Watch Groups and numerous other organisations
across the area have launched a scheme called 'Nominated Neighbour'.
Under the scheme, elderly residents are encouraged to seek the help of a neighbour or relative in checking that unexpected callers to their door are genuine. When an unexpected caller appears at the door, the resident shows a bright yellow Nominated Neighbour Card through a nearby window, or having secured the door chain, they open the door and show the card to the caller without engaging them in conversation. The card directs the caller to go to the house of a nearby 'Nominated Neighbour' who is better able to verify the caller's validity or to telephone a trusted relation or friend so that they can check the caller by telephone. When the Nominated Neighbour is satisfied that the caller is genuine, they accompany the caller to the older adult's home or they telephone them to give them further guidance. The cards are never left on permanent display, merely shown to each caller as they arrive. The scheme was originally devised by Gwent Police and since the scheme has been in operation, it has significantly reduced Bogus Caller Crime in that area. HANWaG is hopeful that the same success can be replicated here. Ian Beaumont, Community Information Officer for the Safelinks Community Safety Website (www.safelinks.info) said: "Although the number of Bogus Caller Crimes in this area is lower than many other parts of the country, we and our partners are very keen to reduce the number even further. Preying on vulnerable members of our community is a despicable act and we are hoping that the community will rise to the challenge of putting these criminals out of business". Bruno Watson BEM commented: "The best Home Office research suggests that the key to combating this type of crime is for the householder to remain in control at the doorstep. Whilst we would hope that everyone follows the 'Stop - Chain - Check' procedure (locking the back door first, putting on the door chain and then vigorously checking the caller's identity before allowing access), the Nominated Neighbour scheme allows the burden of checking the caller to be undertaken by a neighbour or friend. We hop that this will not only make the criminal's job much harder, but will also make older adults feel safer in their own home. This initiative supports the work undertaken by the North East Lincolnshire Safer Communities Partnership to reduce burglary and we are working with Trading Standards and other agencies to further develop the fight against Doorstep Crime." Packs are being issued completely free of charge and are available from: The Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham Police Stations Age Concern, Grimsby and Cleethorpes Compass FM Radio |
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