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CSG funds "Help, Call Police Initiative" |
 Click on the logo to view the fold-out poster (PDF file format).  Garioch & North Marr CSG Chairman Ron McKail and PC Nicola Stewart demonstrate the safety notice |
The Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group has funded an initiative aimed at assisting motorists and vulnerable or elderly residents in the South Aberdeenshire Command Area Grampian Police have launched an initiative aimed at assisting motorists and vulnerable or elderly residents in the South Aberdeenshire Command Area. The initiative, which has been funded by the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group, comprises a fold out poster containing, on one side some useful crime reduction tips, and on the other a prominently worded message alerting any passers-by to contact the Police. The poster has been designed to combat the perennial problem of bogus callers preying on the elderly or infirm, while at the same time educating motorists on how to reduce the chances of their vehicles and contents being targeted by criminals. Westhill based Sergeant Andrew Verreydt stated: "The idea behind this was to tackle not only the problem of bogus callers and distraction thefts from the elderly or vulnerable people in their own homes, but also car security. The latter issue in particular traditionally rises to the fore in the run up to the festive period as people buy their Christmas shopping, often leaving the gifts in open view in their vehicles. To this end, we have incorporated a wide range of simple, preventative tips that people can use to reduce the chances of becoming victims of these callous crimes." |
Ron McKail, Chairman of the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group whose funding made the initiative possible, explained:
"As well as these handy hints, the other side of this fold out poster contains a prominently worded 'HELP CALL POLICE' message designed to alert other members of the public to the person's plight. Indeed, as the weather worsens over the winter and the roads become affected by snow, this message in particular could prove to be very useful for any motorist stranded in their vehicle and unable to phone for assistance."
Sergeant Verreydt concluded:
"While not necessarily designed as a deterrent measure, I believe the information contained within this leaflet could significantly reduce the chances of members of the public becoming victims of these types of crime. Moreover, the 'Help' message on the reverse side, when displayed on a car windscreen or someone's house window, could potentially be a very useful, perhaps even life saving device in the absence of any other method of summoning assistance."
Copies of the poster are already being distributed to vulnerable or elderly residents within the Gordon area while further stocks are available from Police Stations within the Inverurie and Donside areas. Further information regarding this initiative is available from Sergeant Verreydt, who can be contacted at the Westhill Police Office. Tel. 0845 600 5 700.
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You can see the poster online (PDF file). You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file - click on the logo to download a copy. |
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