doorstep crime

The move follows a doorstep crime survey last year which highlighted the problem in the area.

It also issued over 40 notices for phone bill information to track down rogue traders and doorstep crime.

These include local markets, doorstep crime in vulnerable communities and test purchasing for under-age sales.

This seminar falls within National Consumer Week, the theme of which is doorstep crime.

“ Doorstep crime remains largely unreported but its consequences can be devastating. ”

"It will improve the quality of life for residents, particularly older people in the community, by tackling doorstep crime and aggressive door to door sellers."

A study into the impact of doorstep crime on older victims has shown that their health declines faster than non-victims of a similar age.

"The zones also provide Trading Strandards with valuable information about traders operating in the area, which aids effective enforcement against doorstep crime."

It means Scots could be at greater risk from food poisoning, doorstep crime and scams, as well as unfair or unsafe trading.

Doorstep crime often has a really negative impact on a victim's quality of life, which can impact on subsequent investigations and the person's ability to access the criminal justice system.

DOORSTEP crime may not hit the headlines as much as violent crime but its effect can be just as devastating.

Sgt John Reekie, of Tayside Police's Crime Reduction Unit, said he hoped the scheme would cut doorstep crime.

Supt Sykes said incidents of distraction burglary are low, but following advice from the Oldham Doorstep Crime Group, residents can confidently deal with unsolicited callers.

He said: "The criminals who carry out doorstep crime, which includes bogus calling, distraction theft and phoney trades people, often target the elderly and vulnerable groups in our communities.

"He is absolutely right and we owe it to Anne and every victim of doorstep crime, in whatever form it takes, to tackle this in whatever way we can."

They will be performing a thought provoking 45 minute play to help raise awareness of doorstep crime and demonstrate practical ways which can help to keep ourselves and our homes safe.

Oxfordshire County Council's doorstep crime team leader Martin Woodley said: "A lot of painstaking work has gone into this investigation and further inquires will need to be carried out.

Graham Penn from Lincolnshire Trading Standards said: "Doorstep crime is a particularly vicious and heartless crime, typically preying on some of the most vulnerable members of the community."

The Bridgend event will help carers and people who work closely with vulnerable adults play their part by looking out for signs of doorstep crime and learning tips on how to keep residents safe.

Oxfordshire council said its doorstep crime unit had arrested a record 31 traders in the past year, with two offenders being imprisoned for a total of seven years and others fined or banned from the county.

Elsewhere, zones have been shown to reduce doorstep crime, with trials involving more than 1,000 across the UK since 2005 resulting in falls of up to 80% in over all crime and distraction theft.

Recent priorities include prevention of sales of counterfeit goods, sales of tobacco and alcohol to under-age buyers, and action to prevent exploitation of vulnerable consumers by scams and doorstep crime.

On Wednesday 13th November, West Yorkshire Trading Standards will host a performance by the Feeling Good Theatre Company whose powerful production aims to use drama to raise awareness about doorstep crime.

"And for those people who are carers or come into regular contact with older people, it's essential they know how to spot the signs of doorstep crime and prevent the person they care for from becoming a victim.

The focus of tackling scams has shifted somewhat from doorstep crime - where people sign up to work or goods that are not delivered or are substandard - to online activity, as the popularity of internet shopping accelerates.