4th August 2008

Spreading the message on doorstep safety

The fight against doorstep crime is being stepped up this summer as 100,000 leaflets are circulated to households and organisations across Nottinghamshire.

The leaflet – produced by the Greater Nottingham Doorstep Crime Partnership – includes advice from the Police and Trading Standards on how to avoid falling prey to doorstep crime, where people are conned or suffer personal theft in their own home. This includes bogus callers who carry out distraction burglary; rogue traders selling on the doorstep, and fake workmen offering to do work on the house or garden.

Leaflets will be distributed by agencies working with elderly and vulnerable people and in ‘hot spots’ across the city and county. This has been arranged by the Trading Standards services of the City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Caraline Ryan, Head of Public Protection said: "Unscrupulous doorstep traders and conmen see elderly and vulnerable people as an easy target, and the City Council and its partners are working together to ensure that this is not the case. Fear of crime is often reduced by giving clear information and reassurance, and the leaflets contain guidance to help consumers make informed decisions and protect themselves against unlawful traders."

Councillor Eunice Campbell, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Human Resources, Customer Services and Consultation said: "This is an excellent example of partnership working and builds on the success of the Nottinghamshire Doorstep calendar which is well received each year."

If your organisation would like copies of the leaflet to give to members or clients, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Greater Nottingham Doorstep Crime Partnership was set up in 2004 by Nottingham City Council Trading Standards and Victim Support. They have since been joined by many partners including Age Concern, Consumer Direct, Crimestoppers, Neighbourhood Watch, New Deal for Communities, Nottingham City Homes, Nottingham City Primary Care Trust, Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership, Nottingham Elders Forum, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, Pensioners’ Action Group, and WRVS.

Click here for more information about protecting yourself from doorstep crime.