Greater Manchester police chief Sir Peter Fahy has called on residents across the region to become nosey neighbours to help the vulnerable members of the community.
Sir Peter’s call comes as more and more time is spent by police to protect the growing number of people living with dementia.
The number of reports Greater Manchester Police have received of a vulnerable person going missing increased by over 2,500 last year, from 19,589 in 2013 to 22,226 in 2014.
Officers from across Greater Manchester, including Chief Constable Sir Peter, have been taking part in a range of activities to help raise awareness of the dementia as part of Dementia Awareness Week.
Sir Peter said: “Clearly the investigation process is much more difficult when the victim has poor memory and the criminals know this.
“This is why it is so important for neighbours to be vigilant and to keep an eye on those vulnerable members of the community.”
He also asked neighbours who do know the whereabouts of someone who may have gone missing to come forward, as this can prevent the police from having to break into their home unnecessarily.
GMP’s top cop also expressed concern over rogue traders taking advantage of the vulnerable after a recent patrol in Bury, where he met a 92-year old who had been conned out of money for minor roofing work.
Sir Peter said: “I would ask residents to look out for tradesmen calling at the homes of elderly neighbours or apparently doing work and just think about checking out that everything is okay.
“Asking if everything is alright could prevent a crime occurring or at least ensure that someone is not being pressurised to accept a price.”
Anyone looking for advice or for someone to talk to please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or visit the Dementia Friends website at www.dementiafriends.org.uk.
If you spot suspicious activity in your area or you believe rogue traders are operating, contact police on 101. You can also report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Jackson Boyle, with thanks.