Renfrewshire police launch campaign aimed at protecting elderly residents

Renfrewshire Police Launch Campaign to Protect Elderly Residents

Renfrewshire police have kicked off a new campaign to safeguard elderly residents in the area. The initiative, known as Police Scotland’s After Dark scheme, aims to remind homeowners about the importance of keeping their properties and belongings secure during the winter months. Officers from the preventions and interventions team have been visiting local shops to raise awareness about the campaign.

The After Dark campaign focuses on educating older and more vulnerable individuals about home and vehicle security, as well as doorstep crime like scams and fraud that tend to increase as the nights grow darker. People who engaged with the Police Scotland stands were given advice on securing their homes – from locking doors properly to installing CCTV and motion sensor lights. The importance of safeguarding vehicles by parking in well-lit areas and not leaving valuables in plain sight was also emphasised.

Sergeant David Cameron took the campaign to Asda in Linwood, hosting a pop-up stall to engage with the community. He stressed the importance of spreading awareness to help older people avoid falling victim to crime, particularly scams. While there has been a decrease in certain types of crimes in the region, such as housebreaking, theft by shoplifting and theft of motor vehicles have seen slight increases.

Cyber-enabled crime remains a concern in Renfrewshire, with financial scams affecting a significant portion of cybercrimes reported. Sergeant Cameron highlighted the need to continue efforts in raising awareness about online frauds and scams, which can be perpetrated through various means including phone calls, online interactions, or in-person encounters with fraudulent individuals.

While the efforts of the police have shown some positive impact with decreasing crime numbers, there is acknowledgement that more work needs to be done to further reduce criminal activities in the area. By collaborating with local partners and implementing educational campaigns, the aim is to empower individuals to recognise and avoid falling prey to various forms of scams and frauds.

In summary, Renfrewshire police’s campaign to protect elderly residents through the After Dark scheme is a proactive step towards promoting community safety and security. Through targeted initiatives and community engagement, the police are working to equip residents, especially older and vulnerable individuals, with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their homes and belongings in the face of potential criminal activities. Efforts to combat cyber-enabled crime and raise awareness about financial scams demonstrate a holistic approach to addressing contemporary security threats. The ongoing commitment to empowering individuals through education and collaboration underscores the dedication of law enforcement in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.