Current Campaigns
Durham Police Nominated Neighbour Scheme
In November 2002 a Nominated Neighbour Scheme was launched by Durham police with the support of the local crime and disorder partnerships and Age Concern to increase awareness in older people of the problem of bogus callers. This aims to reduce the number of older people who are victims of this type of crime.
Bogus callers are people who knock on doors and pretend to be something they are not. They are nothing more than common thieves. They sometimes pretend to be from the water board or other utility company claiming there is some kind of emergency which requires them to enter the homes of older people. They may also ask to use the telephone, saying they have broken down, or need to use the toilet. Some may be genuine many, are not.
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These crimes are serious and in some instances have resulted in people having as much as £3000 stolen. It is important to point out however, that these people rarely use any form of violence.
To help combat this problem the scheme aims to take out the confrontational side of answering the door to strangers by issuing vulnerable people with a card which can be shown to the caller (through a closed window or gap in the door with the chain on!).
No conversation has to take place, taking out the chance of the caller talking their way into the person's home. The caller is instructed to go to the persons 'nominated neighbour' who would check their identity and return with them, supervising the caller until they had finished their business and left the property.
How to be a nominated neighbour
(114 KB)
How to use your nominated neighbour card(111 KB)
If anyone can assist with the distribution of the 'Nominated Neighbour Scheme' packs or would like to know more please contact PC Chris Watkins On 0345 60 60 365extension 2689 for an informal chat.
Operation 'Lacho' - Beat the sneak thief
Help us to beat the sneak thief this spring/summer.
Nearly 2000 homes have been targeted by the sneak thief over the last 3 years in County Durham and Darlington.
Fact
Sneak-ins are through unlocked doors and windows, usually at the rear of the house.
Fact
Sneak-in thieves will take any thing of value that they can quickly lay their hands on, e.g. handbag, mobile phone, purse/wallet, car keys, cash and/or credit cards.
Do
Whenever possible, keep all doors, but especially your rear door,
locked at all times.
Do
Consider the use of a door chain or other form of door inhibitor if you
require the door opening for ventilation.
Do
Consider some form of alarm/alerter, if the door cannot be locked.
Do not
Leave the key in the door
Do not
Leave valuable property within easy reach of the door.
Do not
Leave valuable property on display near windows. This may make it
visible to a thief from the outside and it mat encourage them to try
and enter your home.
If you require further information on 'Beat the Sneak Thief' or any aspect of Crime Prevention, contact your local Police Station and speak to the crime Prevention Officer.
