EXPRESS CAMPAIGN UNCOVERS THE TRUTH BEHIND STARK STATISTICS Conmen crime rate worse than feared
A dedicated team working to protect vulnerable residents from bogus callers says crime rates are higher than recorded due to victims not speaking out.
As part of the Express’ Protect Our Pensioners Campaign, we are working with organisations in a bid to stop vulnerable people falling foul of doorstep crooks.
Those behind the Renfrewshire Adult Protection Committee say the figures recorded of people reporting bogus crime to police and Trading Standards are “conservative estimates” – meaning the problem is worse than it appears.
The Express previously reported that Renfrewshire residents had been scammed out of a shocking £120,000 in just three years.
The committee runs a financial ial harm subgroup, which includes es the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland and voluntary sector partners.
Working together, they aim to provide advice to the public on how to prevent financial harm and what to do if they think they’ve been targeted. ed.
They also encourage victims to speak up.
Reporting the crimes are a vital step in fighting bogus callers as
it allows a
organisations, organisa such as the financial harm group, to educate people on how to stay wise to the crooks’ cunning ways.
John Paterson, convener of the committee, believes some people feel too embarrassed to report crimes to the police.
He said: “Financial harm can be hard to detect and often there is a reluctance to report loss, even in small amounts, due to embarrassment. Hundreds of elderly Renfrewshire residents have backed the Express campaign to stamp out bogus callers.
We went along to meet Renfrewshire Seniors’Forum and discuss the campaign’s aims.
The group — which has been running for more than 30 years - links together more than 300 pensioners throughout the area, including in Glenburn, Johnstone, Renfrew, Foxbar and Lochwinnoch.
Working alongside Roar - Connections for Life and Police Scotland, the Express is sharing the experiences of those targeted by cruel doorstep crooks, while
“We suspect that the number of referrals made under adult protection, and the number of financial harm concerns brought to the attention of the police and Trading Standards, are conservative estimates.
“The Renfrewshire financial harm subgroup is working to make Renfrewshire citizens harder targets for criminals trying to obtain their money through fraud, scams, intimidation or exploitation.
“We are working to provide preventative advice across the also focusing on the positive work being done by groups and organisations to protect the elderly community.
Bill McDonald, chair of Renfrewshire Seniors’Forum, backed the campaign.
He said:“The campaign is dealing with something that is an important issue.
“Doorstep crime, in particular, is a problem.
“People really need to be aware of who is coming to their door and what they should do if they don’t feel safe.
“This campaign will highlight that and help inform people. We are very supportive of that.” community.”
If you think someone is in danger of being targeted, you can make an adult protection referral by calling 0300 300 1380
For advice on preventing doorstep crime and scams, call 0300 300 0380.