2 minute read
Safer Communities - Door Knockers
safercommunities
Door Knockers!
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Helping others is second nature to many of our elderly residents. When someone knocks at their door asking for help, it is seldom refused.
Unfortunately, there are a few undesirables who are willing to take advantage of our trusting older generation.
In the past we have seen teenagers knocking at the doors of residents asking for a glass of water, people claiming they have car problems, or a dozen other stories of woe.
While the elderly person goes back inside to get water or tools to help the person in distress, the door knockers sneak inside and help themselves to easily accessible items.
This is made easy by the habit we have of putting handbags, wallets and phones down as we enter the house.
Have a safe place for these items that can’t be seen when the front door is opened.
If you do have someone knock at your door, don’t invite them in unless it was a pre-arranged meeting.
If you do leave them on the door step while you fetch something, it’s ok to close the door while you are away. If you are helping someone out who is distressed, they won’t mind standing on the doorstep while they wait. Don’t employ a gardener etc if they knock on your door; always use people recommended from friends or family who have used them before. Age Concern or Neighbourhood Support can recommend trusted tradespeople.
It’s ok to phone police if somebody is asking for help.
Tell the person that you will ring the police for them. If they genuinely need help they should be happy for police attendance; if not, they will be gone before the phone call is over.
If they do leave, phone police with a description of the person and car if they arrive in one, so we can find them if they are still around.
Constable Michael Brown Orewa Community Constable
Orewa Police Station 4 Riverside Road Orewa P 09 426 4555 E MBX747@police.govt.nz
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