20 June 2012
Press release number: PR1797
A new pilot scheme to help residents keep
bogus callers away has been launched in Redbridge.
Fall in distraction burglaries
It is one of a number of initiatives to tackle
bogus callers over the last few years that has contributed to a
steady fall in distraction burglaries in the Borough year on year
from 138 recorded cases in 2006 to just 33 in 2011.
Sticker packs
Selected households in Goodmayes, Seven Kings
and Chadwell will receive packs with a sticker to place outside
their house telling cold callers they are not welcome and reminding
them that they are committing a criminal offence if they refuse the
householder’s request to leave.
A second sticker, for inside the house, gives
telephone numbers for residents to contact to report a bogus caller
or anything suspicious.
Deter bogus callers
The aim is to deter bogus callers as well as
to make sure residents are armed with the right advice and
information if they are contacted by someone. The initiative
is being run by the Redbridge Bogus Caller Partnership and follows
successful schemes in other parts of the country.
The Partnership works to educate residents
about bogus callers and advise them on signs to look out for
and who to call if they have concerns. This includes raising
awareness of this type of crime with new service users of the
Community Meals Service. Age UK’s Forget Me Not Befriending Service
also refer residents they think would benefit from a home visit to
raise awareness of bogus callers.
Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators work with
the Partnership to protect their elderly neighbours by talking to
them and continuing to raise awareness of bogus callers. This
includes giving clear directions on the Redbridge Bogus Caller
policy, No Appointment = No Entry and encouraging residents to use
the Buy with Confidence website when looking for a reputable
trader.
Redbridge Bogus Caller Partnership
The Redbridge Bogus Caller Partnership is led
by the Council’s Trading Standards team and is made up of the Fire
Brigade, Police and a range of Community, Charity and Healthcare
Groups including University of the Third Age and Victim
Support.
Steve Brown, London Fire Brigade Redbridge Borough Commander
and Chair of the Partnership said
“The Partnership is vital in protecting our
most vulnerable residents and has been highly effective in reducing
bogus caller crime in Redbridge because of the commitment of all
multi-agency partners. This new sticker initiative which we are
piloting in the South of the Borough will offer further protection
and sends out a clear message that bogus caller criminals who
target our most vulnerable residents will not be tolerated in
Redbridge.”
Eligible residents started receiving packs
from 18 June. If residents have suspicions about anyone
knocking on doors in their area they can call the Citizens Advice
Consumer Service for help and advice on 0845 040506.
Find
out more about the Buy with Confidence scheme.
