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Police text service in Newark is a national first
Carers and relatives of elderly residents in Newark can subscribe to a new free text message service which issues a warnings and advice about distraction burglaries.
The service goes live on March 12 and will alert anyone who is signed up to it will receive reports of distraction burglaries across North Nottinghamshire.
It should mean neighbours, friends and family members of potential victims, particularly the elderly, have time to check on them and remind them of the steps to take when an unexpected caller arrives.
Keeping the door chain fastened and asking for identification from the caller is an essential first step, and not keeping large amounts of cash in the house is also strongly advised.
The scheme is easy to join. You can fill in the coupon in the advertisements in the local press.
Then either send the form to Newark Police Station, Queen's Road, Newark NG24 1LH, drop it in in person, or hand it to a police officer or police community support officer on patrol in the town.
You can also register by telephoning Newark Police Station on 0300 300 99 99.
Newark Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Steve Cartwright said: “Elderly people are cynically targeted by criminals who use all manner of reasons to get to access to their victims’ homes and their valuables.
“The offenders are very mobile too. They can call at two addresses at opposite ends of the county within an hour, so any system which gives potential victims sufficient warning of burglars operating in the area will be a definite boost to crime prevention in Newark.”
Research shows that offenders make various claims to lull victims into trusting them and allowing them into their homes. It is common for offenders to tell householders that they are from utilities companies. Others, however, have been even more unscrupulous, claiming to be long-lost relatives.
Some victims are also targeted more than once, multiplying the distress to themselves and their families.
Insp Cartwright added: “Dealing with the aftermath of this kind of crime requires a degree of specialism. We have officers who are trained to work with vulnerable people, offering them reassurance and putting them at their ease so that they are able to provide us with the details we need to investigate the crime.
“We have also invested in mobile phones which have a high quality video application, enabling us to video witness statements at the victim’s home rather than requiring them to come into a police station.
“Tackling crime begins with knowledge and then prevention, and this scheme combines those two elements. I’m delighted and proud that Newark is the first area in the county to bring in this scheme.
“I would encourage anyone who is concerned that an elderly relative or friend could be at risk from distraction burglary to subscribe to the text alert scheme.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Ackerley said: “The text alert scheme is another excellent example of how Nottinghamshire Police is improving its service to our local communities.
“As well as reducing crime, we also aim to increase public confidence. This project will enable some of our most vulnerable residents to feel safer in their homes and to eliminate the worry that the fear of crime causes them and their families.”
The service goes live on March 12 and will alert anyone who is signed up to it will receive reports of distraction burglaries across North Nottinghamshire.
It should mean neighbours, friends and family members of potential victims, particularly the elderly, have time to check on them and remind them of the steps to take when an unexpected caller arrives.
Keeping the door chain fastened and asking for identification from the caller is an essential first step, and not keeping large amounts of cash in the house is also strongly advised.
The scheme is easy to join. You can fill in the coupon in the advertisements in the local press.
Then either send the form to Newark Police Station, Queen's Road, Newark NG24 1LH, drop it in in person, or hand it to a police officer or police community support officer on patrol in the town.
You can also register by telephoning Newark Police Station on 0300 300 99 99.
Newark Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Steve Cartwright said: “Elderly people are cynically targeted by criminals who use all manner of reasons to get to access to their victims’ homes and their valuables.
“The offenders are very mobile too. They can call at two addresses at opposite ends of the county within an hour, so any system which gives potential victims sufficient warning of burglars operating in the area will be a definite boost to crime prevention in Newark.”
Research shows that offenders make various claims to lull victims into trusting them and allowing them into their homes. It is common for offenders to tell householders that they are from utilities companies. Others, however, have been even more unscrupulous, claiming to be long-lost relatives.
Some victims are also targeted more than once, multiplying the distress to themselves and their families.
Insp Cartwright added: “Dealing with the aftermath of this kind of crime requires a degree of specialism. We have officers who are trained to work with vulnerable people, offering them reassurance and putting them at their ease so that they are able to provide us with the details we need to investigate the crime.
“We have also invested in mobile phones which have a high quality video application, enabling us to video witness statements at the victim’s home rather than requiring them to come into a police station.
“Tackling crime begins with knowledge and then prevention, and this scheme combines those two elements. I’m delighted and proud that Newark is the first area in the county to bring in this scheme.
“I would encourage anyone who is concerned that an elderly relative or friend could be at risk from distraction burglary to subscribe to the text alert scheme.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Ackerley said: “The text alert scheme is another excellent example of how Nottinghamshire Police is improving its service to our local communities.
“As well as reducing crime, we also aim to increase public confidence. This project will enable some of our most vulnerable residents to feel safer in their homes and to eliminate the worry that the fear of crime causes them and their families.”
