Building society backs EADT campaign

A SUFFOLK building society has joined forces with the East Anglian Daily Times Safe in Your Home campaign to help elderly members of the community feel more secure.

The Ipswich Building Society set up a special display in their Tower Ramparts Offices yesterday , offering home security advice, as well as handing out free safety equipment.

It is hoped that the 'View-Coms' – a device which enables people to see and talk to those knocking at their door without opening it – will help cut bogus caller incidents.

Teaming up with the Safe and Sound Group, the building society gave out 40 of the devices free of charge.

John Whayman, chief executive and director of Ipswich Building Society, said: "We are keen to support initiatives of this type.

"Sadly many elderly people still put themselves at risk by keeping relatively large sums of money at home, making them more vulnerable to bogus callers.

"With the crime reduction advice on the display and the provision of 40 free view-coms we hope we are able to reduce the chances of local residents becoming victims of bogus callers."

Bob Taylor, chairman of the Safe and Sound group, urged the elderly people to make sure they bank large amounts of money rather than keeping it at home.

And, in tandem with the EADT, he reminded those at risk how to keep bogus callers out of their homes.

He said: "We would always recommend that before you open the door to a caller that you STOP and consider if you are expecting anyone, lock any other doors to your property and then CHAIN or bar your door before opening it.

"Then CHECK the caller has photographic identification – make sure you are happy that this identification is legitimate.

"If they have not got a card, or you are not happy with the identification provided, the message is simple – if in doubt, keep them out and dial 999."

For more security advice, call the police on 01473 613500.