Stay Safe Advice

Stay Safe Advice for those requiring help

STOP uninvited callers on your doorstep! Don’t feel obliged to answer the door to anyone you don’t know.

CHECK who you are dealing with. If you are not familiar with the caller and they say they are from an official organisation or community group, ask to see their ID. You could ask them to put it through the letterbox if you do not want to open your door, or if you have a safety chain, remember to use it! genuine callers will be happy to show ID. If you are unsure whether they are genuine, close the door and phone the organisation/group using a number from their website, rather than the number on the card. If you are not able to look for a website, don’t let them in.

WAIT to hand over money. Those who genuinely want to help you will be happy to receive a cash payment once they have delivered your items to you. Ask to see a receipt for your goods.

NEVER give your card details or any bank details to someone at the door. A genuine caller will understand.

NEVER hand your bank card to anyone at the door – try to pay by cash only.

AVOID cybercrime and phone scams. There are plenty of fraudsters who are using the Coronavirus outbreak to take advantage of people. Get your news and information from trusted sources and keep up to date with the latest scams by signing up to receive the Trading Standards Scotland Scam Share Bulletin. 

REPORT suspicious callers or activities. If you feel unsure about a doorstep caller, contact Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency, call 999.

REPORT all scams to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000

The Herbert Protocol

Police Scotland have worked in collaboration with Alzheimer Scotland, Health and Social Care Scotland, West Dunbartonshire HSCP, and Carers of West Dunbartonshire to launch the Herbert Protocol.

This is a new initiative that aims to protect those vulnerable of going missing. A document is filled out by the individual or their friends, family, or carer, detailing key information needed during a missing person’s search. This includes:

• Appearance
• Previous home addresses
• Hobbies
• Recent photograph

The document is kept at home and only given to police if a missing person’s report is made. This will allow officers access to a detailed description of the missing person, and assist in a thorough and more focused search.

PC Laura Evans explains the initiative on our Youtube channel. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/5Wibh3ht1xA

If you are looking after someone that you are concerned may go missing, get in touch today for more information or to access your printed copy of the form. Alternatively, you can download a copy here: https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/missing-persons/the-herbert-protocol/

IN AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 999

Getting a break from caring

The response from neighbours to help those in need has been incredible. Many people have offered to volunteer through official channels such as NHS or local volunteer centres. Others have set up more informal ways of offering support, eg. through social media groups.

being at home with the person you care for 24/7 may become very stressful, particularly if you have a heavy caring role. It’s understandable to ant to get a break and have some time to yourself and have a neighbour or volunteer offer to do that will be helpful. However, it’s important to remember that the more informal neighbourhood initiatives are not registered care providers and will not have the same levels of protocols and policies relating to safety and safeguarding of vulnerable people.

If you would like information about getting a break from caring, you can contact the Carers’ Centre on 0141 941 1550