The Nominated Neighbour Scheme aims to tackle the problem of distraction burlaries; where an offender tricks their way into the home with the intention of theft. The bogus caller might claim to be from the Water Board, or the council, or perhaps they are claiming to be from a gas company and say that they require entry to check your readings. A distraction burglary can not only result in a loss of possessions, but also a loss of trust, self confidence and pride for the victim.The Nominated Neighbour Scheme is way that you can verify who is calling at your property, without directly confronting them. It relies on a neighbour that has volunteered themselves to be the contact for any callers at your door to speak to, so that they can identify themselves. The neighbour will verify the identifcation of the person by checking their identity card and / or speaking to the company they represent. If satisfied, the neighbour will then come back to your door with the caller.
In order to let a caller at your door know that they must have their identification checked, the wardens provide a card that can be held up to a window or door that tells the caller "I do not recognise you. Our nominated neighbour has agreed to check your identity and will then contact us. Please go to the following address ......". They will then either have their identity confirmed or will leave your property, knowing that they will not be permitted access. 
Please contact the wardens for more information or to nominate yourself to be a nominated neighbour that is willing to check identification.
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