Lifewise centre to spread bogus callers warning

South Yorkshire Police are working in partnership with Yorkshire Water to run a free safety event to raise awareness of bogus callers and highlight the potential risk of opening the door to strangers.

On Tuesday, April 3, the Get Lifewise safety event, aimed at people over 50 in the Rotherham area will be held at the new Lifewise Centre located on Kea Park Close on the Hellaby industrial estate.

The event is designed to raise awareness of bogus official incidents and to give out crime prevention advice to people in Rotherham, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to help them deal with a situation should a stranger knock at the door.

Andy Foster, project officer from South Yorkshire Police said: “Bogus callers are people who claim to be someone they are not.

“They often dress appropriately for the role they are playing and usually have a story to get your attention.

“Most are very convincing and extremely persuasive.

“Often one person will call at the address and be speaking with the resident whilst another will sneak in the property to steal items.

“To gain access to homes, they may claim to be from the local authority and other public agencies or utility companies in particular they often claim to be from the water board.

“Unfortunately, the water board is no longer in existence so this is an easy way to spot that they are a bogus caller.”

This safety event is based at the Lifewise Centre which is a purpose built facility with a life-size set representing a small town featuring houses, shops, an interchange and full size bus, a park, a police station with cell and much more.

This event will allow residents from Rotherham to visit the centre and watch real life scenarios run by various partner agencies including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, NHS, Yorkshire Housing and South Yorkshire Police aimed at raising awareness of a number of issues including opening the door to strangers.

Yorkshire Water, like most utility companies, operates a password scheme to benefit vulnerable members of the community.

This is a free service and registration is simple, to contact Yorkshire Water and request details of this scheme please call: 0800 138 7878.

If you are interested in attending this event please contact the Lifewise Centre on 01709 832455 or email [email protected]