VOTE: Nominate a neighbour to help beat crime

The Safer Arun Partnership has devised the initiative in a bid to beat distraction burglaries and rogue traders.

The nominate-a-neighbour scheme will encourage residents, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, to seek the help of a neighbour, friend or relative when an unexpected caller appears.

Richard Bartram, Arun District Council's community safety officer, said: "This scheme is a very useful crime reduction tool, giving older residents increased confidence to turn away unknown callers."

Residents in the scheme will show a 'nominated neighbour' card to unexpected callers, rather than enter into conversation.

This means those people who feel uncomfortable about opening the door to an unknown caller no longer have to quiz that person on their doorstep and risk becoming a victim of a bogus official or fraudulent tradesman.

The card directs the caller to the neighbour who will verify the caller's identity. When the neighbour is satisfied the caller is genuine, they accompany the caller to the resident's home.

Anyone who knows of an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, who may benefit should contact their local police community support officer or Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.

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