Nominated Neighbour Scheme
A new scheme is being launched in Bexley to help older and more vulnerable
members of the community to feel safer in their homes. The 'Nominated Neighbour
Scheme' aims to reduce the number of people who become victims of rogue traders
or distraction burglary crimes. It also aims to reduce the fear of crime and
enhance community relations.
Such Crimes are carried out by ‘bogus callers’. Offenders pose
as officials, including council workers, police officers and utility workers,
in order to gain access to homes. Once inside the victim is distracted and the
burglary is committed.
The Nominated Neighbour Scheme involves an elderly or vulnerable person being
advised not to open their door to cold callers, but instead to show the caller
a card which tells them to contact a nominated neighbour who will check their
identity. The neighbour will then return with the caller once they have confirmed
they are genuine.
The London Borough of Bexley is launching the scheme on 21 May in partnership
with Bexley Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Trading Standards and Age Concern and
holding promotional events across the Borough on Thursday 22 May.
Cabinet member for Community Affairs, Cllr
Katie Perrior said: "I urge
anyone with elderly or vulnerable neighbours to speak to them about the scheme
and offer to be their nominated neighbour. We all have a responsibility to look
after those living near to us who might need our help and this is an easy way
of lending your support".
Anyone who wishes to join the scheme needs to make an appointment with their
local Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team. They will attend the address and hand
out the card and information leaflets to the elderly or vulnerable person and
to the nominated neighbour. Tailor made crime prevention advice will then be
given according to individual circumstances.
The scheme has been launched now, at the traditional time of year when distraction
burglaries and rogue traders increase. Last year 65 elderly or vulnerable people
in Bexley reported such crimes to the police. The average age of the victims
was 77.4 years.
The scheme has been successfully implemented in a number of other boroughs
in London and around the country.
For further details, please contact the Council's Neighbourhood Services Team
on Freephone 0800 389 5013, or visit one of five promotional events being held
across the Borough on Thursday 22 May, between 11am and 3pm. All the partners
will be handing out leaflets and explaining the scheme to shoppers at ASDA in
the Broadway Bexleyheath, Sainsbury's in Crayford, Morrisons in Sidcup, Co-op
in Welling High Street and Summerfields, Nuxley Road, Belvedere.
