Community Life

In the last few years, the borough has seen a high number of reported distraction burglaries and scams. In most cases vulnerable residents have been conned into letting bogus tradesmen into their homes.  Many were then robbed or made to hand over huge sums of money for work to their property that was either shoddily done or not carried out at all.

The latest figures show that the number of these reported crimes has fallen significantly since the multi agency task-force was created. Between July and November 2007 there was a 54 per cent reduction in reported incidents compared with the previous five months. Exceeding the 20 per cent target the RSCP set for itself.

Recognising the success of the boroughs multi-agency partnership the Home Office awarded the council with its highest award.

Chris Hayes, Regional Director, Government Office for London said: "Crime reduction has moved away from being seen as the sole responsibility of the police. The awards have sought to encourage different agencies to work together in partnership to create sustainable solutions to problems within local communities.

"I'm very pleased to announce that the London Regional Winners this year are the London Borough of Redbridge – who have won their award for a series of schemes to cut doorstop crime in the Borough.

"Distraction burglary and rogue traders were having devastating consequences on some of Redbridge's most vulnerable residents. In response, a partnership between Redbridge Police, Trading Standards and the Redbridge Crime Prevention Design Advisor amongst others discussed new tactics to find a solution to the problem."

Cllr Vanessa Cole, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: "This is well deserved recognition for all the hard work and dedication the Trading Standards Team, together with our partners in the Police and Fire services have put into the project to help stamp out this despicable crime."

The measure put in place by the Redbridge Safer Communities Partnership:

No cold calling zones were launched by Trading Standards

The launch of an emergency number for residents who have been approached by the bogus callers – Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06.

The police co-ordinated a new Homesafe Scheme, involving Victim Support, Life Line and a trustworthy building contractor to provide small repairs service for vulnerable people.

Additional patrols in hotspot areas to raise awareness of the problem among target groups – and provide details of the Homesafe and Buying with Confidence Scheme.

High profile police and Trading Standards operations targeting suspicious tradesmen and builders.

Safer neighbourhoods officers visiting vulnerable people in the hotspot areas to provide advice and gather intelligence.

Police targeting cafes in the area to talk to potential victims, provide crime prevention advice to elderly people and visit homes that were visibly undergoing building work.

The Partnership engaged with local banks to identify vulnerable customers that may have been coerced into withdrawing large amounts of cash to pay rogue traders.

Have you had a bad experience with bogus callers in Redbridge? Email me at kulwant.sohal@bbc.co.uk