In a recent edition of Egremont Today, the police warned of the dangers of so called ‘cold callers’ who target the elderly and vulnerable in our community. These tricksters knock on the doors of their victims, offering either over-priced work and conning people out of their savings, which on some occasions runs into thousands of pounds, or in teams where one member distracts the occupant of the house while another steals whatever he can.
Further to their earlier warning Egremont police have taken another step to guard against local people becoming victims, by organising a workshop, to be held in Egremont Market Hall.
Karen Storr, the Egremont Arts Coordinator, has also joined in to help turn the workshop into something more, and it will now form part of an Action Day for Older People.
Karen said; "We didn’t want it to be something very scary where we invited people along just to tell them about the dangers they are facing. We will have entertainment and a free lunch, and we are even organising transport so that the housebound can come along, we want it to be as much a social day as anything.
"But it will provide a great format for the police to get the message across; cold calling is happening in our local area and there are things that people can do to stop themselves falling victim."
Fortunately, the number of cold calling cases recorded in West Cumbria is well below the national average – but studies show that the crimes are often not reported, because victims, whose average age is estimated at 82, feel ashamed of themselves for falling for the cons.
Karen added; "I am sure that there will have been victims in the Egremont area, but people are proud and wouldn’t necessarily come forward and report the fact that they have been conned.
"What we are doing with the action day is telling them that not only are there ways to avoid being caught out but there are people who can help if they do find themselves falling victim. We also hope that the day will be a good social occasion and enjoyed by everyone who comes along.
"Age Concern are coming, as are the fire service and obviously the police, and I think someone is also coming along to talk about roof insulation. Maria Toman from Copeland Homes is also coming along. We’ve put leaflets in all the places we can think of and I’ve been round the coffee mornings and bingos, but the event is open to anyone, so please just come along."
The event is completely free and is on Wednesday 28th May. It runs from 11am until 2pm, with a free lunch and entertainment provided. For help with transport contact Karen on 01946 825546.