Neighbours join forces to tackle doorstep crime

11.25.28am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 6th Jun 2009

Cllr Stuart Currie lanches new initiative

A new pilot initiative to beat bogus callers and tackle doorstep distraction crime has been launched in Haddington.

Under the voluntary Nominated Neighbour Scheme, householders of all ages will join forces to vet the identity of doorstep callers to their properties. Householders will direct any unexpected callers to a designated and trusted neighbour, who will verify their identity and reason for visiting. The 'Nominated Neighbour' will then escort them back to the original property and wait with the householder during the visit.

Cabinet member for Housing and Community Services Councillor Stuart Currie added:

"With the current economic climate, people are seeing their finances under strain but many so-called 'money saving' schemes could end up costing a lot more in the long-run. Genuine callers have nothing to fear from this scheme and won't mind waiting while their identification is checked."

The Police East Lothian Community Action Team (ELCAT) developed the Scheme, working with East Lothian Council and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. 1000 packs will be distributed through the Haddington Police station, Citizens Advice Bureau, sheltered housing complexes and the local library.

The packs include leaflets for the householder and their neighbour along with a special card directing callers to the nominated neighbour's address is included, with advice on how to deal with doorstep callers*. Cards should not be displayed permanently, just used whenever an unfamiliar caller approaches the door.

Superintendent Murdo MacIver, East Lothian Area Commander for Lothian and Borders Police, said:

"We all have an obligation to make East Lothian as hostile an environment as possible for would-be criminals, particularly those who would seek to target vulnerable people in their homes. This scheme will ensure that only those callers who have legitimate reason for entering homes, will be able to do so. We want to send a message out to bogus workmen and traders, that there are no easy pickings in East Lothian. This scheme will contribute significantly to this and provide continuing reassurance throughout our communities."

Lothian and Borders Police, working in conjunction with East Lothian Council's Antisocial Behaviour Team, are running the Nominated Neighbour Scheme. 1000 packs of information will be distributed throughout Haddington explaining the scheme. The packs also include valuable home fire safety advice from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service as well as an invitation to have a free home safety visit from local fire-fighters who will supply and fit smoke detectors free of charge if they are required. This service is always available by calling free-phone 0800 169 0320.

The East Lothian area commander for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Moira Richardson said:

"We are pleased to be part of this initiative. Our teams of local firefighters will be participating fully in this scheme which will hopefully discourage and prevent unscrupulous callers."