Initiative to Tackle Doorstep Crime for Alvechurch

North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, which includes the District Council, BDHT, and the Police are planning an initiative in Alvechurch to reduce doorstep crime, a crime type which includes nuisance door to door sales, rogue traders and bogus official burglars. 

The initiative aimed to protect vulnerable residents, will involve the roll-out in the village of the Partnership’s ‘Nominated Neighbour’ scheme. This free scheme which has been particularly well received in Redditch involves identifying a person who can ‘filter’ unexpected callers to a vulnerable person’s address, such a person may be a neighbour, a local friend or just a relative available on the telephone. The resident directs the unexpected caller to this contact without opening the door to them or engaging with them. The nominated person then checks if they are genuine and if possible, assists the resident in dealing with them. Experience shows that callers who do not have a genuine purpose make off when challenged in this way, genuine callers are happy to establish their credentials.

The scheme uses prominent door stickers to identify to callers that the resident uses the scheme, these often deter callers from approaching the house, and it is planned that street signs will warn potential criminals that the scheme is in place in the village. A side benefit is that the scheme can encourage a community to take greater care of its vulnerable residents. 

A public event will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 8th April between 10am and 3pm, residents are encouraged to drop in to hear about this scheme and talk to other agencies about crime issues such as the local Police team. There will also be a partnership stall at Picnic in the Park in May.

The project team at the moment includes Bromsgrove District Councillors for Alvechurch Rachael and Alan Bailes, and Keith Wiseman who many will know from the Larder, so that the project has direction from local representatives. They are happy to hear from anyone about the initiative and to pass on local views and suggestions. They can be contacted either in person or via E Mail, r.bailes@bromsgrove.gov.uk,  a.bailes@bromsgrove.gov.uk, and wiso1874@gmail.com

Or you can contact David Rischmiller of the Council’s Community Safety department on 07774 692095 or E Mail david.rischmiller@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk