Elderly and vulnerable at renewed risk of doorstep crime as restrictions ease

THE flow of people back to workplaces is leaving the elderly and vulnerable at renewed risk from doorstep crime, National Trading Standards (NTS) is warning.

Previous coronavirus lockdowns, with many people working from home, helped hold criminals who pressurise people on their own doorstep in check, as neighbours have supported each other.

Doorstep crime complaints dropped significantly during the initial lockdown period, NTS said.

It added that overall during 2020-21 there was a 3 per cent decrease in reported incidents across England and Wales compared with 2019-20. NTS said threats related to doorstep scams include: ■■Telephone calls, emails, leaflets and websites to make initial contact with victims. Deceptive marketing could make scammers appear local;

■■Fake “approved trader” websites, which list supposed official approved businesses when in fact the approval scheme is non-existent and most traders listed appear to be connected to known doorstep offenders;

■■Repeat victimisation of those who are the most vulnerable;

■■Links with organised crime – including money laundering and modern slavery.

Criminals have also adapted their tactics during the pandemic, with a huge rise in mass marketing scams, NTS said. Such scams include physical post such as fake competitions and lotteries, but the recent increase in mass marketing scams has been driven by criminals moving online and preying on people’s fears about Covid-19 to sell fake items.

NTS chairman Lord Toby Harris said: “We’re calling on communities to continue to look out for one another and to keep in contact with family and friends who may be at risk. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.”