Doorstep crime

We supported a doorstep crime pilot scheme in the Isle of Wight to address the under-reporting of crime by the older victims who are targeted.

The scheme was funded by the Medina Housing Association and supported by Age Concern, Neighbourhood Watch and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

The criminals who burgle houses by distracting their victims and the rogue traders who trick their victims into paying large sums for shoddy, and sometimes unneeded work, are not brought to justice quickly because the police have not got the information they need.

These crimes are not reported because some people are embarrassed at having been conned, some fear their children will find out, others that being a victim might threaten their independence, while some do not like to trouble the police as they feel guilty themselves. Others are daunted by the process of formal interviews and court appearances and write it off to experience. All of them have let the criminal go free to target someone else.

Crimestoppers provides the means to pass on information about any crime without comeback or complication. Callers don't have to leave their name and the call isn't recorded. Calls are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

If you have information about doorstep crime or rogue traders, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information form.

Download the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Crimestoppers 'Doorstep Crime' leaflet here.