News Release
Bogus callers advice
Dated: 25 Sep 2012
Police are setting up crime prevention stalls at two events for older people in North and South Tyneside.
Officers will be advising visitors how to stay safe and avoid falling foul of bogus callers.
This supports the forcewide 'If in doubt, keep them out!' initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the problem of doorstep criminals - people who carry out distraction burglaries, such as bogus officials, high pressure doorstep salesmen and rogue traders.
Police want to help people keep themselves and their neighbours safe and avoid being taken in by fraudsters.
Neighbourhood officers will be handing out advice and doorstep crime prevention leaflets on Monday, October 1, at the following locations supported by the Age UK charity:
Older People's Festival, at South Shields Town Hall from 10am to 3pm and
Age Takes Centre Stage, at Whitley Bay Playhouse in North Tyneside from 11am to 2pm
Neighbourhood Inspector Peter Sutton, of West Shields and Riverside, said: "We're looking forward to speaking to lots of visitors and helping them stay safe.
"Bogus callers can target the more vulnerable members of our communities, including the elderly, and we hope this initiative will raise awareness of crime prevention, and give people practical help."
Neighbourhood Inspector Jim Gray, of Whitley Bay added: "These events are a good way to speak to people we think will benefit from advice from our team.
"We're also asking people to keep an eye on their relatives, friends and neighbours, encouraging them to understand the importance of following simple crime prevention tips and looking out for suspicious callers in their area."
Alma Cauldwell, Chief Executive of Age UK North Tyneside said: "It is vital we do all we can to keep people safe and secure and living independently. Working with Northumbria Police in this way gives us a great opportunity to reach out to the community and make it a safer place to live. Catching bogus callers who prey on vulnerable older people has to be a priority."
Chief Executive, Age UK South Tyneside, John Brier commented: "South Tyneside’s Older People’s Festival is an excellent opportunity to promote the importance of independence, social inclusion and raise awareness of important issues with vulnerable older adults who may not be aware of who or how to contact key agencies in a time of need.
"The festival provides those over fifty with inexpensive and original ideas for days out with friends and family – as well as the opportunity to find out about local services. We encourage people to get involved, pick up the phone or download a copy of our festival guide with details of everything that is happening."
Anyone who is unable to attend either event but would like to speak to an officer should contact their local neighbourhood policing team on 101 ext 69191.