The nominated neighbour scheme has been set up to prevent elderly and vulnerable residents from becoming victims of distraction burglary, bogus calls or rogue traders.

The scheme uses a specially developed card, which can be shown to the caller it replaces any need for the occupant to open the door and enter into conversation with that person. The card advises any unidentified or unexpected caller to go to the address of a 'Nominated Neighbour'. This person can be a friend or relative who will check the callers identity and if they are genuine return with them whilst the visit takes place.

Genuine callers will be happy to contact the nominated neighbour and bogus callers will fail to gain access, this will SEND a strong message that the local community is alert to their activities and the scheme will act as a deterrent and stop them returning in the future.