New network aims to alert elderly and carers to bogus crimes and scams
A new initiative has been launched in Argyll by Police Scotland to help protect elderly and more vulnerable people from scammers.
The aim of the Cared for at Home Network is to alert paid and unpaid carers, befrienders or someone else with regular contact with elderly or vulnerable people to incidents like this in Argyll and Bute so they can let their clients' relatives know about scams and bogus crimes in the area.
The network has been created by PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland, who added: ‘We know our elderly and vulnerable communities are more vulnerable to being targeted by telephone scams and bogus callers. The Cared for at Home Network allows us to raise awareness throughout vulnerable groups including the elderly who are often not on social media. It is hoped that through sharing information and raising awareness we can help protect those at greatest risk from this type of crime.'
Within Oban, Lorn and the Isles, the Cared for at Home Network has so far been created for North Argyll Carers
Centre, Crossroads North Argyll, the Dochas Carers Centre, The Good Care Group, ALI Energy, Argyll Care and Repair, Carr Gomm, Citizens Advice Bureau.
Peter Minshall, manager of the Dochas Carers Centre, said: ‘The Dochas Carer Centre, along with many other organisations in Argyll which support unpaid carers, welcomes the new Cared for at Home Network and views this smart initiative as a practical way we can all work together to ensure a safer community.'
The Cared for at Home Network is hosted by Neighbourhood Watch Scotland which allows Police Scotland to send out timely, targeted alerts on issues of crime, safety and resilience.
Alerts are sent out to people within the Cared for at Home Network at no cost, by email or text depending on urgency and people's preferences.
If you would like to know more or would like to be involved, contact PC Laura Evans, Local Authority Liaison Officer for Argyll and Bute, at laura.evans@scotland.pnn. police.uk