Nominated Neighbour Scheme
The Nominated Neighbour Scheme has been
developed by Cheshire East Council’s Consumer Protection &
Investigatation Team to tackle bogus callers and workmen or other
kinds of distraction thefts.
The scheme is aimed at vulnerable people in
our community and makes the most of our extremely strong community
relationships. Often the bogus workman or criminal will target the
elderly or vulnerable and the scheme means that these people will
be protected by someone they know and trust, such as a neighbour or
a relative.
The scheme works by the vulnerable person
being given a specially developed card that they hold up to a
window or door which advises any unidentified or unexpected caller
to go to the address of a 'Nominated Neighbour' who will check the
callers identity and if they are genuine return with them and
supervise the visit to make sure that nothing untoward takes place
and will remain there until the caller has left. The scheme can
also be commenced using a ‘nominated telephone number’ of a trusted
person.
When the card is shown to the caller it
replaces any need for the occupant to enter into conversation with
that person and a genuine caller will not mind following the
instructions, we believe no criminal who prey on the elderly or
vulnerable would like this type of scrutiny.
This scheme will help limit the opportunity
for doorstep callers to con there way into homes or persuade
residents to have unnecessary home improvements, once they fail to
gain access and know the local community are alert to their
activities it will act as a strong deterrent to stop them returning
in the future.
The nominated neighbour is chosen freely by
the householder and will be readily available to help. They will be
given simple and clear guidance by the scheme on what action they
should take with different kinds of callers and whom to contact to
report any incidents.
The scheme is a positive action that improves
the safety of vulnerable people.
If you would like a Nominated Neighbour Scheme
pack sent to you or a vulnerable neighbour or relative within
Cheshire East contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 who will take
the details.
To report suspicious activity contact the
Cheshire Constabulary on 101. However, if it's an
emergency or if a crime is being committed or has just been
witnessed, there is a risk of injury, or a risk of serious damage
to property ring 999.
To report problems with doorstep callers or
traders contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05
06.
