Volunteer for Nominated Neighbour Scheme!

Posted on January 27, 2011

Would you like to help protect the elderly or vulnerable against unwanted or unexpected callers?

Police in Central Bedfordshire are looking for people to act as a 'Nominated Neighbour' for elderly or vulnerable people living near to them.

The scheme encourages elderly people not to open the door or talk to unfamiliar callers, but to keep the chain on and show them a bright yellow card.

The card instructs the caller to go to a Nominated Neighbour, who will then check their identity and return with them and supervise the visit.

The initiative is just one of many crime prevention initiatives police are spearheading as part of Operation Vision to drive down burglary.

Chief Inspector Neill Waring said: "People who are particularly vulnerable, may not have the confidence to deal robustly with callers. The public can help by keeping an eye on their elderly neighbours or by signing up to our Nominated Neighbour Scheme to help deal with unwanted or unexpected callers. Often members are relatives, friends, Neighbourhood Watch supporters or others with an interest in making their communities a safer place. Families can constantly help by reminding elderly relatives of the importance of using spy holes and door chains and never letting unfamiliar people through the door without ID - even if they claim to have a legitimate reason such as being a water board official or police officer."

Anyone who would like to become a Nominated Neighbour can contact their local crime reduction officer on 01582 471212 or email [email protected]

Anyone with information about a crime should call the main switchboard on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Thank you for your support.

Source: Ringmaster Bedfordshire