The Protecting Older Persons (POP) Team   

The Protecting Older Persons project (POP) is a unique initiative to reduce the incidence and effect of doorstep crime in Hampshire. The project is run and managed by the Trading Standards Service and is part funded by Adult Services. The team considers every aspect from prevention through to supporting victims. Raising awareness of the problem is a major part of the work. In the past year the team has reached over 140 older people’s groups and clubs by giving talks to explain the dangers and how to overcome them. The visits have also included sheltered housing schemes, day care centres and Neighbourhood Watch meetings. “Safe and Sound” booklets, doorstickers and phone cards to enable checks on a caller’s authenticity, have been given out to support the advice. Carers and professionals who work with older people are encouraged to pass on information to those who are housebound.  The simple message is to say “no” at the door.

To obtain -

• Talks to older people’s group or clubs

• Our Safe and sound booklet

• Doorstickers - “We do not buy goods and services at the door"

please call us on 01962 833620 or email us at doorstep.crime@hants.gov.uk.

Quick Response Team

We also have set up a Quick Response team who deal with incidents as they arise, visit premises and intervene on behalf of the consumer. Since 2004 this team has saved Hampshire residents over £200,000.

Please call us on 01962 833620.

Buy With Confidence

We also encourage residents to use the Buy With Confidence website which provides consumers with a list of reliable local businesses which have proved their commitment to trading fairly.