Letter from Meg Hillier to the Hackney Gazette

Dear Sir,

I am writing to draw the attention of your readers to a new government campaign I am backing to warn older people on how to avoid being victim to bogus callers.

The Home Office campaign is backed by organisations including Age Concern, Royal British Legion, WRVS, who are delivering leaflets and stickers to the elderly to help ensure they know and follow the simple steps to doorstep security.

In my view, preying on the elderly and most vulnerable members of society is a particularly despicable crime which causes immense distress to victims and their families.

My elderly mother in law was repeatedly targeted by very plausible conmen and women, one posing as a carer, even made her a cup of tea. It was a huge worry to us.

Although the chances of being a victim of crime are at a historic low, the Labour Government is not complacent, and I am supporting the ongoing work to bring crime down further.

In the last year London had the highest number of new police staff in the country and we are seeing crime fall.

Simple measures can be taken to ensure older people are safe from distraction burglary. The simple advice of the ‘Lock, Stop, Chain and Check’ campaign is to keep front and back doors locked, install a door chain, check ID, and if in doubt, keep callers out.

It can be helpful if callers can be directed to a nearby neighbour who can make a check on them.

If a stranger wants to come in and claims that they are from a utility company, the local authority or any other organisation, always ask for their ID, even if you were expecting them – genuine callers will happily show you ID. Close the door and check the ID carefully.

Call the head office if you are still unsure, but use the number from the telephone directory or a recent utility bill, not the one on the card.

Remember, only let a caller in if you are absolutely sure that they are genuine – if in doubt, keep them out!

Yours sincerely,

Meg Hillier
Labour parliamentary candidate for Hackney South and Shoreditch