Tackling doorstep crime

Published by Shoreline for Shoreline Housing Partnership in Housing and also in Communities

A new protection scheme is tackling doorstep crime and banishing bogus callers. 

The Emergency Doorstep Link project has been launched in collaboration between North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards, Humberside Police and Shoreline Housing Partnership.

The campaign aims to make residents aware of the steps they can take to banish bogus callers.

Sarah Freeman, Shoreline enforcement manager, said: "We have 8,000 properties in this area, and our part in the scheme is to get the message across to tenants about how the Emergency Doorstep Link project could help.

"The vulnerable and elderly need to take extra precautions, and we have a lot of tenants living in sheltered accommodation who are being made aware. We are going to take part in the No Cold Calling Zones, too, which will deter bogus callers."

Presentations will take place at older person’s coffee mornings and tenants will be able to access the Safer Homes Scheme to receive free window locks and door chains.

With resident consent, No Cold Calling zones will be created for added security and peace of mind.

No Cold Calling zones - part of a larger nationwide initiative - will be marked by signs on street lamps and residents will be informed about how to deal with cold-callers.

Tips to tackle doorstep crime include:

• Always ask for identification.
• Don't be afraid or embarrassed to call the company the person claims to be from.
• Make sure you call on the company’s main number and not from a number given to you by the caller.
• Shut the door if the caller makes you feel pressurised.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to Trading Standards.
• Display signs saying you don't accept cold-callers.