Fearless.org urges young people to speak up about doorstep crime during COVID-19 crisis

27th March 2020

Fearless - the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers - is urging young people to learn the Fearless five tips to prevent doorstep crime and share them with those who may be more isolated and vulnerable at this time.

1 - THINK
Are you expecting a caller?

2 - SECURE
Use your spyhole/keychain or check from a window before answering.
If you're not sure - DON'T answer.

3 - QUESTION
Ask for ID and phone to verify.

4 –CONSIDER
Could it be fake or untrue? Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

5- CONTROL
Remember, it's your home. There’s no reason why anyone should ever enter against your wishes.

Doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing at targeting people, that’s why the charity is encouraging teenagers across Scotland to pick up the phone and share the top prevention tips with family and friends to help keep them safe from crime.

The charity also stresses that if young people know or suspect who is responsible for such crimes – they can be fearless in speaking up to their charity whilst staying 100% anonymous through their dedicated website fearless.org.

Lyndsay McDade, Scotland’s Senior Youth Projects Officer for the charity Crimestoppers, said:"Unfortunately, all year-round, criminals try to exploit people – sometimes even in their own homes or doorsteps. At a time when older and vulnerable people are even more isolated than usual, we want to raise awareness of the key prevention tips in order to reduce harm."

"Perhaps you want to keep in touch with your grandad but you’ve never spoken to him by phone or videocall before. Our Fearless five tips can give your conversation purpose – a starting point for a chat which will not only keep him safer, but stop him from being lonely too."

"Every day, our charity is contacted by young people speaking up about crime and making their communities safer. Now more than ever, we need to encourage their desire to help by giving them the tools they need to do that successfully."

Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham said:“This campaign by Fearless will not only raise awareness of doorstep crime, it will provide valuable information and reassurance at a time when people are relying on advice from trusted sources.

“I’d encourage everyone to share this with their neighbours and loved ones to help keep our communities safe.”