Protection against bogus callers for elderly in Linton, Cambridgeshire
ELDERLY people living in a village which is particularly vulnerable to bogus callers who commit distraction burglaries are being given extra help to protect their homes. Linton has a high occurrence of this type of crime compared to other areas in Cambrid
ELDERLY people living in a village which is particularly vulnerable to bogus callers who commit distraction burglaries are being given extra help to protect their homes.
Linton has a high occurrence of this type of crime compared to other areas in Cambridgeshire because of its rural location near to the M11 and A11.
Now the parish council and Cambridge Constabulary are introducing The Bobby Scheme to help stamp out the problem.
Police liaison officer for Linton Parish Council, Cllr Roger Hickford, said: "I feel this is a great way to help protect those in our community that need it most.
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"I would encourage all our residents of pensionable age to participate in the scheme and we as a community should make the most of this opportunity."
The Bobby Scheme is a registered charity which employs security advisors who install locks, bolts, peepholes, door chains and other security features for a nominal fee and contribution of �20.
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The average spend by the charity on labour and fittings is �120 per household.
"They do not aim to turn a home into a fortress but they will provide practical help, reassurance and peace of mind," said Cllr Hickford.
"Many of those who have benefitted from the scheme are not victims, but their risk of burglary is reduced significantly and their confidence and feeling of security is very much improved."
The Bobby Scheme has been given extra funding by Linton's Neighbourhood Policing Team and the parish council will fund the �20 charge for 250 households.
The scheme and payment offer is available to all pensioner households, wherever they are within the village and whatever the type of property. The parish council will coordinate the contacting of residents over the next two months.
Where The Bobby Scheme has been implemented the repeat burglary rate is less than two per cent, compared with a rate of 10 per cent in Cambridgeshire and the national repeat burglary rate of 14 per cent.
The parish council can be contacted on 01223 891001 for more information.