26 November 2009, 09/280
Stay safe from bogus callers
Older people are being targeted in a new campaign to prevent
them becoming victims of bogus callers in the run-up to
Christmas.
The West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership - which
includes the key agencies West Lancashire Borough Council,
Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Lancashire
Constabulary and NHS Central Lancashire - has funded a leaflet
aimed at keeping the over 60s safe.
It is packed with useful crime prevention advice for older
members of the community who are more vulnerable and at risk of
distraction burglars.
Bogus callers are people who pretend to be someone they’re not
so that they can get into your house. They might pretend to be from
the water, electricity or gas board, council workers or police
officers. Although West Lancashire is a very safe place, it’s
important that people take care about who they let into their
house.
To stop it happening, the leaflet highlights three simple
tips:
- Stop - Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are
expecting anyone. Make sure you lock all other doors like the back
door before going to the front door
-
Chain - Open the door with the chain or door bar in place, as
it’s a useful barrier. Or talk through a window if you have to
-
Check - Always ask for ID. Genuine callers will always have
identification. If you are still uncertain, phone the organisation
and confirm the person’s identity
Councillor Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety,
said: "Older people are more at risk of bogus callers trying to
trick their way into their home to steal money and valuables while
their attention is elsewhere, especially at this time of year in
the run-up to Christmas. This is why we have funded this leaflet in
order to keep vulnerable people as safe as possible from these
rogues. By following the simple guidelines I’m sure people will be
able to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime!"
Crime prevention advice in the leaflet also includes general
safety tips for when people are out and about, shopping, using
bankcards and also ways to protect the home.
The leaflet will be delivered to older and vulnerable members of
the community in a number of ways including during crime re-visits
and community events.
Skelmersdale Police Inspector Sue Swift said:"This leaflet
is about giving residents the confidence to say no to uninvited
doorstep callers. Distraction burglary is a despicable crime that
preys mainly on the elderly and most vulnerable members of the
community. Not only are victims robbed of material possessions but
also their pride, self-respect and confidence. By following the
three simple tips - Stop, Chain, Check, our residents can help to
protect themselves from this type of crime.
"In addition to following these simple tips I would also urge
any member of the community who experiences a suspicious caller or
sees anyone acting suspiciously in their neighbourhoods to contact
the police immediately."
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, added: "The low life who would seek to trick their way
into the homes of local pensioners must be stopped. Mercifully,
here in West Lancashire these sorts of crimes are very rare but the
Community Safety Partnership wants to do everything it can to raise
awareness among older people to be vigilant, particularly in the
run-up to Christmas."
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