Phones Signal Success For
Conmen Warning |
2 Mar 2005 |
South Tyneside Council has revealed that its new hi-tech
weapon in the fight against doorstep conmen is proving
to be hit with elderly and vulnerable people throughout
the Borough.
More than 100 residents have already subscribed to
the "Doorstep" scheme that offers free up-to-the-minute
warnings about rogue traders and doorstep scams direct
to people's mobile phones via text messages.
Operated by the Council's Trading Standards Team, the
pilot scheme has already alerted subscribers to possible
rogue traders selling poor quality goods around the
Borough. The alerts report that people are knocking
on doors selling tarmac in the East Shields area and
leather coats in parts of Hebburn.
Welcoming the successful start to the pilot scheme,
Councillor Iain Malcolm Deputy Leader of the Council
and Chair of the Customer Services and E-Government
Steering Group, says: "It's encouraging that so
many of our elderly and vulnerable residents, and their
carers, have signed up for these up-to-the-minute warnings.
The introduction of new text messaging facility allows
fingertip access to Council officers and services and
is yet another way that we are increasing our services
to crack-down on cowboy traders and make South Tyneside
a safer place for people to live."
Recent surveys show that approximately four-fifths
of the British population either possess or have access
to a mobile phone. Age Concern has welcomed the scheme
and says that the number of elderly people who have
mobiles and know how to use them is surprisingly high.
Urging more people to sign up for the scheme, Councillor
Malcolm adds: "If you are an elderly resident of
South Tyneside or a carer of an elderly or vulnerable
individual text the word 'doorstep' to 07786 200 802.
We will text you with warnings of rogue traders or doorstep
scams that we become aware of in the area."
South Tyneside residents who do not own, or have access
to, a mobile phone can still report their concerns about
environmental issues by calling the Council's contact
centre, on 427 7000 from Monday to Friday between 8am
and 8pm and between 9am and 1pm on Saturday.
Alternatively, they can use the e-services section
of the Council website at www.southtyneside.info or
by e-mail to: customerhelp@southtyneside.gov.uk
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