News & Developments

Campaign launched to raise awareness of doorstep crime in Derbyshire

Police across Derbyshire are launching a long term campaign to raise awareness of doorstep crime.

Over the next few months the campaign, which is being started by a national week of action, will see officers work with Derbyshire Trading Standards to help residents avoid becoming a victim of a rogue trader or a distraction burglar.

A rogue trader or a pushy doorstep seller will use fraud to con vulnerable people into paying for unnecessary or vastly overpriced work to their home.

The campaign will involve visits to local residents and events by local Safer Neighbourhood teams who will be talking to people about the risks of agreeing to work being done by cold callers.

Police and trading standards officers will also be checking that traders are legitimate, and highlighting how people can avoid becoming a victim.

Superintendent Lecky Grewal, who is the lead in Derbyshire on doorstep crime, said: "The aim of the campaign is to help protect those residents who are more vulnerable to doorstep crime.

"While the majority of callers are genuine, and act within the law, there are some individuals who may take advantage. This means that some people could pay a large amount of cash for unnecessary work or be put at risk of distraction burglary.”

During the campaign residents will be reminded of the phrase ‘Not Sure? Don’t Open the Door’ and will be advised to contact the police with any information about suspicious callers.

They will be urged to check the ID of doorstep callers, get a second opinion before agreeing to any work and to check up on callers by contacting their company using a number from a telephone directory.

Residents will also be encouraged to use Derbyshire County Council’s Trusted Trader Scheme, set up to help people find local traders such as plumbers, builders, roofers or gardeners who agree to do a good job at a fair price.

Robert Taylour, head of trading standards at Derbyshire County Council said: "The vast majority of traders in Derbyshire operate within the law and provide a good service.

"However, there are a handful of unscrupulous traders who will break the law and target some of the most vulnerable members of society.

"We are pleased to be working with Derbyshire police to warn Derbyshire consumers not to agree to work from unannounced traders who arrive on the doorstep and to use the Derbyshire Trusted Trader Scheme to find a local reliable trader”

Supt. Grewal added: "Police officers, while out on patrol, are constantly on the lookout for rogue traders or residents who may be at risk of doorstep crime.

"We would urge members of the public to tell us about any activity which causes concern, to look out for their neighbours, particularly the elderly, and to not be afraid to turn away doorstep traders.”

Anyone concerned about suspicious callers in their area should call Derbyshire police, on 101, or dial 999 if a crime is in progress.

People can also report a rogue trader and get advice through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506.

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New non-emergency number

Derbyshire Police has launched a new telephone number which will make it easier for people get in touch with the Force about issues which do not require an emergency response.

People are now able to contact Derbyshire Constabulary by dialling 101, which replaces the former 0345 123 3333 non-emergency number.

It is part of a national drive to make it easier for people to contact Police to report crime and disorder, with all Forces using the number by the end of this year.

While 999 is a well recognised number to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54 per cent of the public know how to contact their local Police if they want to talk to them about local policing issues, crime or anti-social behaviour.

It is hoped that 101 will reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls, allowing the Force to respond to emergencies more effectively.

By calling 101, you will be able to speak to the Police Force control room of your local police service. Calls from landlines and mobile networks cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long you are on the phone.

You should use 101 to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. For example:

− if your car has been stolen

− if your property has been damaged

− where you suspect drug use or dealing

− if you want to report a minor traffic collision

− if you want to give the police information about crime in your area

− if you want to speak to your local officers or

− general enquiries, like how to join the Special Constabulary or how to join Neighbourhood Watch.

The 0345 123 3333 number will remain as a way for people to contact Derbyshire Constabulary from overseas and deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers can access the service via textphone on 18001 101.

Assistant Chief Constable Dee Collins said: "People should only call 999 in a real emergency, that is when a crime is happening, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby or where someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.

"For all other matters, such as reporting anti-social behaviour, making a general enquiry or contacting your local officers, 101 is the number you should dial.”

Between April 1 and September 30, Derbyshire Police answered 462,423 calls. Of these, 70,520 were emergency calls and 391,903 were non-emergency calls.

For more information about 101, visit http://www.derbyshire.police.uk/

Change One Thing in Your Neighbourhood

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Clean toilets open when we need them
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Through Change One Thing, Age UK will be supporting groups of older people, their families, friends and carers to run a local campaign and make their neighbourhoods better for people in later life.

Change One Thing is for groups who want to run a campaign. If you need to save a local amenity which is threatened with closure, or just want to make your neighbourhood better for everyone in later life, Age UK can help you to run a local campaign to make change happen.

There will be support from Age UK every step of the way – from prioritising the problem, to identifying the decision-maker and gathering support locally.

If you want to get involved or just find out more, contact Age UK by emailing campaigns@ageuk.org.uk