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Please spare a thought for the elderly and especially those who live alone.
The elderly seem to be targets at times for scammers and other dodgy crooks.
Be aware that there are people out in our community that will approach homeowners and offer their services.
This is how they operate;
The approach is made to the unsuspecting homeowner (normally elderly) out of the blue by the alleged handyman.
Let’s call him Kevin.
Kevin is wearing a uniform comprising of thongs, jeans and a tee-shirt and copious tattoos ranging from full sleeves, tribal tats and possibly a heart with an arrow through it with the words “Muvver” underneath it.
Kevin asks if he can do some yard work such as trimming the trees, cutting the hedges or cleaning the gutters.
The only catch is that you have to pay Kevin $100 up front.
Normally one of the clues that Kevin is dodgy is the fact that he has no tools with him.
He would need at least one transporter unit or a ladder to get him up on the roof to clean the gutters.
Guess what? Transporter units have not been invented and Kevin does not own a ladder.
The only tool that Kevin needs is a working cigarette lighter to light his durries.
This is because shortly after getting his $100 from your grandpa or grandma, Kevin beats a hasty retreat and runs off.
If you’re lucky Kevin didn’t get into the house and steal other property such as rings and cash.
Let this be a reminder to everyone who has elderly parents or grandparents or even vulnerable neighbors to go and visit them.
Talk to them in relation to unwanted visitors or people asking for work.
Remind them that if they think that they are talking to a Kevin, do not fall for his jive and ask him to leave.
If he doesn’t, call the police.
If you are a business owner, have you ever thought how the police manage to get in contact with you at night in the event of an emergency (eg) illegal entry, fire or property damage at your business.
If you think that it is pure luck you may be right.
But only if you have not signed up to it BIZKEYS.
BIZKEYS is an application that allows business people to supply police with key holder information such as phone numbers and addresses.
The information is entered onto a register that can be accessed by police quickly if an emergency arises.
Forms are available from your Local Crime Prevention Officer (that’s me).
Remember you can “Dob in a Dealer” any time you like by ringing Crime Stoppers.
As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.
Don’t forget, cops are tops.