North Yorkshire Police to visit Hunmanby as part of campaign to protect elderly and vulnerable

Under Operation Cracker, police officers and PCSOs will be working alongside Police Volunteers to visit residents in the village on Thursday January 12.

Older residents will be offered crime prevention and welfare advice, while younger residents will be encouraged to keep an eye out for their older and more vulnerable neighbours.

Insp Andy Short, from the Filey and Eastfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “For the elderly, this can often be a very lonely time of year and also when they are most vulnerable.

“The change in temperature can leave them at further risk of illness and their vulnerability increases the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

“During Operation Cracker, we’ll be visiting areas where there is a higher population of older people and making sure they are equipped with the right support.

“We’ll be providing advice such as home security and how to keep your valuables safe when you’re out and about.

"We’ll also be signposting them to our partner agencies including North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Carers Plus, along with local groups that can provide specialist advice and support to get through these difficult times.

“An important part of the job of the Neighbourhood Policing Team is to work closely with our community partners to protect and care for vulnerable people who need our help.”

A team of Police Volunteers will work in pairs with police officers or PCSOs. They will be in uniform and will be carrying their identity badge.

Insp Short added: “If anyone feels uncomfortable about answering their door, we understand this and will be happy to wait outside if you want to call a friend or neighbour over or check out who we are.

“You can check our credentials by calling us on 101, and holding for the operator, then pass on our officer’s name and collar number.

"Our operators can then confirm whether they are a genuine member of staff and if they should be in your area at that time.”