Up Beat

SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY

29 June 2007

Southwark Police and its partner agencies provide a comprehensive list of crime prevention services specifically aimed at the elderly.

Crime prevention officers & victim support staff are available to conduct crime prevention surveys or offer personal safety advice. Services range from basic crime prevention advice, to spy hole & lock fitting and even garden improvements.

To add to this Southwark Police have just appointed an officer on each of our Safer Neighbourhood teams to act as a single point of contact within the borough. The officers will greatly increase the level of support available to local senior citizen groups, residential homes and lunch clubs in the ward. The officers have received additional training and will be available to provide advice on personal safety & crime prevention linking in with Victim Support and Crime Prevention Officers

VICTIM Support

Victim Support in Southwark provides a free lockfitting service for victims of crime and vulnerable individuals in Southwark. Since 2001 Victim Support in Southwark have installed security devices at over 5000 houses, reducing the likelihood of repeat victimisation and making people feel safer in their own homes.

The lockfitting scheme:

· Provides and fits British standard locks
· Fits spy holes, intercoms,
 smoke alarms and fire proof letter bags
· Gives crime prevention advice (reducing burglaries, forced entries and confidence scams in Southwark)
· Refers individuals to other recognised agencies and organisations that may be able to help them

The Facelift Project

Victim Support Southwark also runs an innovative project to help prevent vulnerable people from becoming victims of crime in the first place, by improving the appearance and security of their homes.

Run down houses can be seen as an easy target by some burglars. There is a higher chance that these houses have poor security, and are likely to be occupied by vulnerable or elderly people, who are unable to take care of the properties themselves.

The Facelift Project aims to improve the appearance of these homes to reduce the chances of vulnerable individuals being targeted by criminals in the first place. During each 'facelift' door and window locks are fitted where needed, to improve the overall security of the home All work is free of charge to qualifying Southwark residents.

We also need volunteers to help us do these 'facelifts'. All work is carried out in teams of 3 to 5 people and includes general tidying, landscaping the garden, and repairing and building fences. All tools and materials are provided.
Volunteers can contact Victim Support on 020 7378 8886 or Email: info@vssouthwark.org.uk

Keep the Con Men out!

One crime in particular that affects older members of the community is that of conmen who trick their way into peoples houses - usually by pretending to be a workman such as a water board official. Once inside they then steal from the house whilst the occupiers guard is down.
Fortunately this crime can be prevented very easily. You are not obliged to let anyone into your home. 

IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT!

Ensure all doors are locked whilst you are in your home. Some criminals may   have an accomplice that enters through your back door  whilst they are distracting your attention to the front door.

Be on guard whenever your door bell rings, consider having a spy hole and chain fitted. First look through spyhole speak to them through the door. If you have to open the door do so with the chain attached.

 Do not accept any cold callers at  your address, do not open the door.All companies should make an appointment to visit you. Even police officers if cold calling will not expect you  to open your door.

Even if there are works nearby, always ask for photographic proof of identification.

Ask all callers for photographic proof of identity. Check this carefully and telephone the company the caller claims to represent.  A  business card is not enough. Genuine  callers will allow time for this.

 The Utility companies now offer a pass  word identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password  as additional proof of identity.

 Beware of callers who attempt to distract  you by claiming that they have  seen something which may encourage     you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice waiting to enter  your home.

 Treat every stranger with caution. If  you are in any way concerned, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Wards/Contact Details

Brunswick Park 020 8721 2449/07920 233910
Camberwell Green 020 8649 3587/04843 065912
Cathedrals 020 87212801/07766443043
Chaucer 020 8721 2441/07920 233917
College 020 8721 2442/07920 233916
East Dulwich 020 8721 2447/07920 233912
East Walworth 020 7232 6258/07766 443004
Faraday 020 8649 2042/07843 065911
Grange 0208 721 2439/07920 233919
Livesey 020 721 2436/ 07920 233922
Newington 020 8721 2437/07920 233921
Nunhead 020 8721 2445/07920 233914
Peckham 020 7232 7524/07766 474477
Peckham Rye 020 8721 2443/07920 233915
Riverside 020 8721 2440/07920 233915
Rotherhithe 020 8721 2435/07920 233923
South Bermondsey 020 7232 6891/020 8721 2802

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