The 'Quick Check' pilot scheme - a free 24-hour telephone service that will allow anyone who thinks that a bogus caller may be at their premises to verify the identify of the individual - was launched last week.

PSNI Area Commander Paula Hilman and Mayor Victor Robinson were among those who gathered for the official launch event on Wednesday (June 25) at Mossley Mill.

More than 10,000 leaflets and posters providing information about Quick Check will be distributed to homes, post offices, shops, churches, community centres, libraries and community groups across the borough in the coming months.

Local Crime Prevention Officer, Constable David Fitchie, explained the benefits of the new service.

"Quick Check provides the community with a resource to check the identity of callers. Simply ring 0800 013 22 90 and your call will be answered by a trained operator. They will take the details of the company, which the caller claims to be visiting on behalf of, then contact the organisation to determine if the caller is genuine. If there is something suspicious the operator will contact the police.

"Bogus callers depend on the good nature and goodwill of others. They tend to target the more vulnerable members of our society and in particular senior citizens. I would advise everyone to be cautious of unexpected callers. Do not open the door unless you know the individual," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the District Policing Partnership and Community Safety Partnership, Mayor Victor Robinson expressed his support for the Quick Check scheme.

"I am very pleased that the Police Service is introducing this new initiative and am delighted that Newtownabbey has been selected to pilot the scheme. I sincerely hope that those who are vulnerable in the community, especially our senior citizens, will feel a lot more confident as a result of having the Quick Check number available to them," he commented.

East Antrim MLA Alastair Ross added: "If this scheme is a success in Newtownabbey then I would encourage the PSNI and their partners to roll it out across the Province."

Meanwhile, here are some simple steps to help protect you and your property when dealing with unexpected visitors:

• Think before you open the door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise the caller.

• Ask callers for proof of identity. Genuine tradesmen should carry a photographic identification card. Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone Quick Call.

• Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere that may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice who is waiting to act upon this distraction.

• If you are not convinced of the identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.
For further crime prevention advice contact Newtownabbey Police on 0845 600 8000.