Watch out for your neighbour!

Greater Manchester Police Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships have recently launched a new initiative, to help combat bogus callers. The initiative called the Nominated Neighbour Scheme hopes to help elderly or vulnerable people in the community feel safe in their own homes.

Vulnerable people can obtain a card which they show to a caller at their home, printed on it are the words ‘I don’t recognise you! Please go to: Here they write the nominated neighbour’s name, the words below this are ‘someone will check your identity and return with you’.

On the back of the card is printed advice for the vulnerable person i.e. Use your chain, show the card to the caller, do not converse with the caller, do not let them in etc. The safest thing to remember is: If in doubt keep them out. The role of the nominated neighbour is also advised; when the vulnerable neighbour has a caller they don’t recognise they will show them the card that directs the caller to your address. Confirm their identity but don’t let them into your home. When you are satisfied that they are genuine, escort them to you neighbours home, remembering to lock all doors before you leave. When you go to your neighbour’s home stay with them while they conduct their business. Secure all doors to ensure no one else can enter the house. Never allow the caller to move from room to room unescorted and never leave the caller alone.

I have seen the cards and information about this scheme and I was impressed with the advice given, equally I was pleased to note that the printing on the card is really big, so most people will be able to see it easily.
K.B.