Metropolitan Police volunteers have taken to the streets of London (whilst socially distancing) to deliver a crime prevention booklet to tackle online fraud and scams for the second weekend in a row.
This weekend, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matthew Horne joined the volunteers in Lambeth, and Commander Catherine Roper joined them in Teddington to help keep Londoners safe at this challenging time. This follows the volunteers – accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball – delivering crime prevention advice to the people of Kingston last weekend.
The volunteers delivered hundreds of the Met’s ‘Little Book of Phone Scams’ – a document produced by the Met’s Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit to help protect those who may be vulnerable to falling victim to criminals using Coronavirus (COVID-19) to their advantage.
They also spoke to people (from two metres away) to talk about the content of the booklet and why it had been delivered. The work of the volunteers has not stopped there though. Since Monday, 6 April, appropriately vetted volunteers have been working hard to engage with other victims of crime to check on their welfare and to also provide further crime prevention advice.
Commander Catherine Roper, the MPS lead for Crime Prevention, Inclusion and Engagement, said: “Sadly, there are some people out there who will try to capitalise on Coronavirus in order to take advantage of others, especially the more vulnerable members of our communities’.
“Our dedicated volunteers are dropping leaflets through letter boxes in order to make sure that the right people are getting the right advice about how they can look after themselves during this public health crisis. They are also following up and supporting victims of crime to try and help them to avoid becoming victims again.
“It’s been non-stop for our volunteers since they offered their time to help London, as well as our dedicated COVID19 Volunteer Coordination Hub, who are supporting us to protect some of the most vulnerable people in London stay safe. Their dedication and support is crucial in helping the MPS family and we’re extremely thankful to have them joining us.”
If you’re looking for a new challenge that’ll provide a real sense of achievement or want to put your talents and experience to use as a volunteer, visit our website: https://www.met.police.uk/car/careers/met/police-volunteer-roles/
Whether it be supporting officers in Neighbourhood Policing Teams, ensuring high standards of witness care or providing enhanced levels of customer service and helping the public at police stations, there are many ways to be there for London as a volunteer.
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