AVON and Somerset police have launched a scheme aimed at protecting elderly and vulnerable South Gloucestershire residents from bogus callers. 

The Nominated Neighbour scheme asks vulnerable residents to identify a trusted neighbour or friend to act on their behalf.

Any unknown callers at the vulnerable resident’s door can then be directed to the ‘Nominated Neighbour’, so that their credentials and identification can be checked and verified.

Once the 'Nominated Neighbour' is happy with the caller’s identity, they will accompany them to the original resident's house and stay until they have finalised their business and the caller leaves.

Inspector Julie Knight, Local Policing Directorate, Avon and Somerset Police said: “This year’s Stop Adult Abuse Week is all about prevention. 

“We already know that social isolation and loneliness increases vulnerability to crime. 

"This is a particular issue for the more elderly members of our communities, with over 85’s estimated to spend an average of 90% of their time in the home.

“We are aware that some people don’t feel comfortable asking for help so we are urging people to reach out to elderly and vulnerable people in their communities and ask if they would like to sign up. 

"The Nominated Neighbour scheme provides a great way of letting older people in your community know you are looking out for them, helping them to feel safe”