Play staged to help prevent doorstep crime against elderly
EMERGENCY services and the council are to stage a play in a bid to prevent doorstep crime against older people in West Lothian.
Along with a host of other organisations, police and the fire service have joined forces with the council to hold advice shops for older people, which will include a theatre production warning of bogus callers.
The first event takes place at the Lanthorn Centre in Dedridge, Livingston, next Thursday.
The event will show pensioners how to deal with bogus callers and rogue traders with a show from the Baldy Bane Theatre Group called One Foot In The Door.
Superintendent Jeanette McDiarmid from Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Our aim is to provide those who attend the events with the skills and knowledge to protect them from the unscrupulous criminals who commit doorstep crimes against older people.
"These events allow us to highlight the important issues by directly addressing older people and working to empower them to prevent them becoming victims."
There will also be an opportunity to obtain advice from representatives from the other agencies involved, including West Lothian Credit Union, Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), the MOOD Project and the council's housing services, consumer advice and health improvement teams.
The Dedridge event will run between 11am and 1pm with tea, coffee and soup and a sandwich provided.
Executive councillor for services for the community, Frank Anderson, said: "Cold Calling initiatives highlight the joined-up approach to tackling antisocial issues within West Lothian.
"It is important that West Lothian Council, the police, community councils and the wider community work in partnership to ensure that our residents not only feel safe within their communities, but strengthen their community spirit by helping to deter potential criminals."
Two other events will take place on Wednesday, 17 March at Craigsfarm Centre in Craigshill in Livingston, and 24 March at the Regal Theatre in Bathgate.
"We hope these events will be successful and look forward to working with the police and the other partner organisations," said council leader Peter Johnston.
Contact the council's safer communities department on 01506 445 671 for more details.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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