Elderly vulnerable to digital switchover scam

Police urge people to help vulnerable neighbours to prevent them becoming victims of distraction burglaries

POLICE are urging people to help their elderly and vulnerable neighbours to prepare for the forthcoming digital television switchover, to prevent them from becoming victims of rogue traders and distraction burglars.

Thames Valley Police has warned that conmen may use the confusion created during this period to target elderly and vulnerable people, and believe that neighbours' help in the community could help prevent this.

The traditional television signal in the Meridian region, including Newbury, will be switched off in February 2012, leaving many people with older receiving equipment without a signal, meaning they will have no television reception.

The BBC runs a Switchover Help Scheme, which offers practical advice for older and disabled people, including the installation of equipment and a demonstration of how to use it.

The scheme is available to people who are:

- aged over 75,

- live in a care home

- receive disability living allowance (or are eligible for it)

- are registered blind or partially sighted.

For more information, call 0800 40 85 900 or click on the link below.