How to be a Nominated Neighbour

This initiative has been launched by the Safer Communities partnership to reduce distraction burglary. This type of offence is probably one of the most cowardly of our time. We hope that this initiative will help older people and vulnerable members of our community to feel safe in their homes once more.

What is a Bogus Caller?

Any person who attempts to enter your home by tricking or confusing you.

What is your role?

1. Your friend or neighbour will write your address onto the panel on their Nominated Neighbour card.
2. When your neighbour has someone call at their home whom they do not recognise, they will show them the card, which will direct the caller to your home.
3. Check their identity. DO NOT LET THEM INTO YOUR HOME.
4. When you are happy that they are genuine, return with them to your neighbour’s home. Lock all your doors before you leave.
5. When you arrive at your neighbour’s home stay with the caller while they conduct their business (unless your neighbour specifically asks for privacy).
6. Secure both back and front doors and ensure no one else can enter undetected.
7. Never allow the caller to move from one room to another.
8. Never leave the caller alone.
9. When they have completed their business, see them off the premises.

Genuine callers will not mind waiting while you check their identity.

What happens if you are not at home when your neighbour has a caller?

Tell your neighbour that if the caller returns to their house and says that you are not at home, they should simply tell them to make an appointment by letter and come back another day.