Community
Upbeat Preventing Doorstep Crime During the past few weeks there have been reports of incidents in the Amber Valley where someone has knocked on the door of a home unexpectedly, and used an excuse to distract the resident. They have later found that cash has been stolen. Older adults are more at risk of becoming a victim of bogus callers as they tend to be more trusting and willing to let someone into their home. How can you protect yourself? The best advice is simply don’t open the door, especially when you don’t know who is calling or are not expecting anyone. A genuine caller will have ways to contact you if it is important. Alternatively, shout through and ask them to come back another time when you can arrange for someone you trust to be with you.
Check the identity of any caller and contact the company they work for to see if they are genuine. Use a number from a bill or telephone directory rather than one that they give you. If you have a neighbour that you trust, call them to see if they can check who is at your door. If you really must open the door, use a door chain or bar and make sure any other doors and windows to your home are locked and shut first. Is the caller trying to sell you something or offering to repair or work on your house or garden? Tell them you are not interested and ask them to leave. Genuine businesses won’t need to drum up business by cold calling. If you are worried the repairs might be urgent, contact a firm that you know or has been recommended to you. If you know someone who might be at risk please make sure they are aware of this advice. Offer to help, or put them in touch with a tradesman you know is reliable. Most importantly, please keep an eye on people calling in the area or acting suspiciously. If they are using a vehicle, or if a car or van that you wouldn’t normally see has been in the area a while, take down the registration number, colour, make and model if possible. Report any information about suspicious callers or activity to the police on 101. Always use 999 in an emergency, where you are concerned about someone’s safety or think a crime is in progress.
Useful Numbers Doctors & Hospitals, Emergencies Post Offices Appletree Medical Practice 01332 842288 Arthur Medical Centre 01332 880249 Amber Pharmacy 01332 782844 Crimestoppers 0800 555111 Drug Helpline (24 hour) 0800 776600 London Road Community Hospital 01332 265500 NHS 111 Out of Hours (24 hour helpline) 111 Police (non emergency) 101 Ripley Hospital 01773 743456 Ripley Medical Centre 01773 303591 Riversdale Surgery 01773 822386 Royal Derby Hospital 01332 340131 RSPCA Emergency 0300 1234999 Samaritans (24 hour) 08457 909090 Severn Trent Water 0800 7834444 Water Floodline 08459 881188 Whitemoor Medical Centre 01773 880099
Belper (Strutt Street) 01773 820108 Codnor 01773 742376 Duffield 01332 840105 Heanor Post Office 01773 713034 Horsley Woodhouse 01332 880221 Kilburn 01332 880444 Little Eaton 01332 832780 Ripley (Derby Road) 0845 722 3344 Smalley 01332 882222
Travel Birmingham Airport East Midlands Airport East Midlands Trains Manchester Airport Flight Info National Rail Enquiries Roads - to report a fault Traveline – public transport info * Premium rate
To advertise contact Ruth: T: 01332 883140 M: 07545 261034 E: ruth@allthingslocal.co.uk
0121 7675511 01332 852852 03457 125678 090 10 10 1000* 08457 484950 01629 580000 0871 2002233
97