Elderly and vulnerable in Pool get protection from doorstep conmen (From Ilkley Gazette)

Elderly and vulnerable in Pool get protection from doorstep conmen

11:00am Monday 7th January 2013 in Local news

An initiative to protect the elderly and vulnerable from doorstep conmen has been launched by the police in Pool-in-Wharfedale.

The Nominated Neighbour Scheme aims to prevent people having to open their doors to unexpected callers and so cut the risk of theft or fraud.

Members of the project will be given a card to hold up at their window, directing the caller to a nominated neighbour nearby.

The neighbour will then be able to check the caller’s identity to see if they are legitimate, before calling other residents who are part of the scheme to inform them.

Signs will also be displayed in streets where the scheme is running to deter criminals and conmen and let legitimate callers know what to expect.

A launch event for the campaign was held at Wharfedale Court, in Pool, and it has also been promoted at The Willows sheltered housing complex, in Horsforth.

Sergeant Teresa Dmoch, of North West Leeds Division, hopes it will result in better protection for vulnerable people across Wharfedale, Horsforth and Aireborough.

She said: “Although, thankfully, incidents where elderly and vulnerable people are targeted by bogus callers are relatively rare, we are keen to do all we can to help prevent them from falling victim to this type of crime.

“The nominated neighbour scheme is a simple and effective way of keeping people safe by allowing them to keep their door firmly shut to anyone who calls on them unexpectedly.

“We are confident legitimate callers will not mind calling on the nominated neighbour to establish who they are, even if that means coming back later.

“We hope that, as more people sign up and more areas are designated as being part of the scheme, it will create a deterrent effect in the minds of criminals who try to prey on people in this way.”

Anyone interested in joining the initiative is asked to contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Volunteer Hub on (0113) 241 3592.