28/02/2006
`Distraction Burglary` Doorstep Crime Awareness Event
The Community Safety Event held at the Broadway Club in Norris Green on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 was aimed at older and / or vulnerable members of the community and was focused on the dangers that can be posed by Bogus Callers.
A Crime Prevention officer from Merseyside Police explained to the audience some simple personal safety messages on how to stay safe when out and about in their community. There then followed an interactive drama commissioned by Citysafe. A local drama group, `All Talk` Productions presented a play based around the theme of bogus callers.
The play put across to the audience a serious message in a humorous way without unnecessarily raising fear of crime for residents. Members of the audience were also invited up on stage to take part in the 'Doorstep Challenge', when it was demonstrated that residents can practically be in control of acceptable doorstep behaviour.
In addition, agencies such as Merseyside Police, Mersey Fire & Rescue Service, Age Concern, Trading Standards, Liverpool's Anti Social Behaviour Unit and staff from Alt Valley Neighbourhood Management Services were on hand throughout the day to offer advice and guidance on personal safety issues.
Citysafe provided lunch and bingo in the afternoon, free of charge to everyone who attended.
Key messages given on the day in relation to personal safety and to help prevent communities free from becoming a victim of this type of crime were:
- Always make sure visitors to your home are who they say they are by asking to see their identification.
- If you are in any doubt about the identification shown, phone the organisation or company they claim to represent and check - don't use the phone number they give you, look in your local telephone phone book for it. Ask the person to wait outside while you check. If in doubt, don't let them in.
- If the caller leaves and you are still unsure about their credibility write down the details of the person and their registration number of any vehicle they have travelled in and contact the police on 709 6010.
- If you suspect a caller to you or any of your neighbours contact the police.
- The best defence against a doubtful caller is to have a viewer or spy hole and a strong door chain fitted to your door.
- If you are concerns about a caller at your home contact a neighbour, a member of your family or the police and ask them to call.
- Remember, if in doubt, keep them out!
For further information on the above initiative please contact either:
Sandra.Roscoe@liverpool.gov.uk or Gillian.bell@merseyside.police.uk
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