Project to safeguard vulnerable people

By Sergeant Andy Matthews
The role of the Safer Neighbourhood Team is to respond to the policing needs of all East Finchley’s diverse residents and businesses. As many of our residents are of retirement age, the team works in partnership with Barnet Council, Age Concern, all the sheltered housing communities, and Contact, a local charity which provides assistance and crime prevention advice to our elderly and disabled residents.

There has been a recent rise in distraction burglaries, rogue traders and bogus callers in the borough. These criminals target the elderly and disabled, particularly if they live alone. If someone becomes a victim of crime it can have a huge impact on their confidence, fear of crime and quality of life.

In an effort to identify and prevent such victimisation, the team has set up the Vulnerable Persons Project. Team members can be invited to visit a vulnerable person’s home and give them advice on preventing these types of offences. We also offer contact to other agencies that can provide help and support for other issues that affect vulnerable people.

If you feel you are at risk of such crimes or you have an elderly or disabled neighbour or relative living in East Finchley who may be at risk, please do not hesitate to contact us using the details given below.

Drop in surgery
Anyone is welcome to meet the team and get crime prevention advice at the Drop-in Surgery upstairs at the Green Man Community Centre, Strawberry Vale, N2, on 24 July between 3pm and 5pm.

How to contact us
The Safer Neighbourhood office is at 113 East Finchley High Road, N2 8AG. You can phone us on 020 7161 9014 or 07887 632767, email us at EastFinchley.snt@met.police.uk or talk to the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) you see on patrol.

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