Stop – Chain – Check

THIS was the message to elderley and other vunerable people earlier today, when drama students illustrated how distraction burglaries can be avoided.
There have been around 20 burglaries carried out by bogus callers using distraction tactics, in the Thame area over the past year, and it is hoped that today’s Bogus Caller Event will alert those open to this type of crime to ways of avoiding becoming victims.
Thame’s Community Police Officer, Russell Hounslow introduced the event before handing over to Oxfordshire’s Assistant Chief Officer, Michael Page, who earned himself a cheer from the audience when he leapt up on to the stage from the floor of the TLC’s main hall. He thanked Lord Williams’s Year 8 Drama school for their work to present what he called “A serious message in a light-hearted way,” their efforts going against the grain of “all the moaning we hear about youngsters”.
Andy Ford, Thame’s Fire Chief, another member of our emergency services whose talents as a stand-up comedian became apparent, nevertheless sent out a powerful message as to how important it is for the elderly to work with him and his colleagues to make a Safety Plan that will keep them and their property secure but enable them to get out of their premisies quickly and in an emergency such as a fire.
The main message from the students was, when hearing a knock on the door, first lock the back door and close all the windows, put the chain across the front door before opening it, then to ask for the caller’s ID; take it and look at it carefully and then to phone the Company or organisation the caller claims to represent. Genuine callers will understand and not mind waiting.
Finally, the main message was: “If in doubt, Keep them out!”
Transport wad layed on for the visitors, some of whom came from Henley, and during the interval, refreshments were served to them and pupils from Barley Hill school’s orchestra entertained.
Several agencies were represented around the hall, including the Oxfordshire Ambulance NHS Trust, who run the Community First Response Scheme, Oxfordshire Trading Standards Service, who give advice about Rogue Traders, The Lions Club with their ‘Message in a bottle’ scheme, Help The Aged (who also provided the refreshments), and Anchor with thier ‘Staying Put’ scheme which is a small repairs service for South Oxfordshire.
Thame’s Mayor, David Laver,who was also invited to the presentation, told ThameNews: “The event certainly was very well organised and the students’ presentations certainly rammed the message home about people protecting themselves from bogus callers.
“It was very effective and the audience seemed to have really enjoyed themselves. Most of them however came from sheltered housing schemes and I hope that those living alone who perhaps were not able to come will have neighbours who will look out for them and pass on the message.
“The other message was that not all callers are crooks and deserve to be treated with suspicion but that sensible precautions should be taken to protect themselves.”
Thame’s Crime Prevention Officer, Leslie Nesbit, who helped organise the event was also on hand for advice and information.

Photo courtesy of Strathclyde Police