Beware the bogeymen at Teesside

When you stand at the front door dealing with an unsolicited call from a sales person, can you be 100 per cent the ‘salesperson’ is genuine and doesn’t have an accomplice breaking in the back?

The distressing crime of distraction burglaries is a particular concern to elderly and vulnerable people who are often the victims of such criminals. To help combat this, the University of Teesside is supporting Cleveland Constabulary to promote the message through the “Beware the Bogeyman” campaign.

This new campaign will see University students and staff working as volunteers, alongside Cleveland Police staff and local community members. They will then deliver video presentations and offer tips to people who may be at risk. The volunteers’ training is delivered at the University.

On Tuesday 15 March, around 40 volunteers will be trained at the University and Cleveland Police Headquarters, with the police and with former Chief Superintendent Brian Steele to learn how to deliver the advice sessions. Brian Steele is an acknowledged expert on doorstep crime and has carried out research into the area on behalf of the Home Office.

Detective Sergeant Greg Swinnerton, Cleveland Police, said: “The aim of the Beware the Bogeyman campaign is to make people feel safer and less vulnerable in their own homes. Once trained, the volunteers will be able to present the video and explain some helpful tips in order to limit the chances of becoming a victim of distraction burglary. I’d like to thank the University of Teesside and their volunteers in supporting this campaign.”

Jayne Villiers, Community Volunteers Project Co-ordinator said “I’m delighted University volunteers are involved in this campaign. I really hope that it makes a big difference to people’s feeling of security and well-being.”

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