Neighbours nominated to keep doorstep callers away

11:37am Tuesday 18th July 2006

UNWANTED doorstep callers will be directed to nominated neighbours under a scheme to protect elderly and vulnerable residents.

The initiative aims to deter criminals who are making bogus calls or using distraction burglary techniques.

It has been developed by the Safer Ryedale community partnership in the hope of giving elderly residents more confidence when dealing with doorstep callers.

The idea is that if an unrecognised caller knocks at the door of someone involved in the scheme while they are alone, the caller will be handed a card instructing them to contact the nominated neighbour.

This could be a trusted friend living nearby, an immediate neighbour or a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.

Safer Ryedale members say this will ensure that someone who could potentially fall victim to a persuasive conman does not have to talk to any unrecognised callers, until their nominated neighbour has verified who they are.

PC Peter King, who is helping the initiative, said: "If the caller is genuine, they will be happy to co-operate in this process and, if necessary, can return with the nominated neighbour to pursue their legitimate business.

"If, however, the nominated neighbour is also unsure whether the caller is genuine, or if they're unable to verify the caller's identity, then they can politely ask them to make a written appointment."

If the caller persists in wanting to gain entry to the resident's home, the nominated neighbour will call the police.

Sarah Tonge, of Norton, was one of the first to join the scheme. She said it has the potential to successfully protect her elderly neighbours.

"I am delighted to assist my friends, who are often anxious about answering the door to strangers, " she said. "This way, they know I am available to help and I can see bogus callers simply walking away."

PC King said: "This scheme is particularly useful to the blind community, where official identification badges are useless in the fight against bogus callers."

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