SHERIFF Hutton is the latest village to support vulnerable members of the community through the Nominated Neighbour Scheme.

Co-ordinated by Safer Ryedale, the project aims to recruit the help of friends, relatives, a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Warden or parish councillor who lives nearby, to check whether unexpected callers are genuine.

It has now been backed by North Yorkshire Trading Standards which has praised the initiative designed to protect the vulnerable within our community.

Andy Fox, from Trading Standards, said: “We welcome any move to protect the elderly and the vulnerable from rogue traders and please be aware of traders “cold calling” at your door offering services that you do not want or need. Please report any suspicious activity to Trading Standards”.

The scheme means that the vulnerable person does not have to open the door to people they do not know or engage in conversation with them, this reduces fear of crime and protects them from distraction burglary.

Inspector Andy Everitt, from Ryedale police, said: "The majority of people at risk from distraction burglars or rogue traders can deal with them simply by using the lock, stop, chain, check procedure."

"This scheme is aimed at these vulnerable people and we are looking for friends in their street to support them by helping them to deal with unwanted or unexpected callers. If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, then please come forward as a ‘Nominated Neighbour’ for them.”

Alan Pitman, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Sheriff Hutton said: “Whilst Sheriff Hutton continues to enjoy a very low rate of recorded crime, there have recently been a small number of instances of unscrupulous ‘tradesmen’ targeting vulnerable elderly people, living on their own, by attempting to grossly overcharge for minor maintenance works to property.

“Although these cases have been dealt with by appropriate authorities, the stress and anxiety caused to the victims has been considerable.

The Nominated Neighbour Cards can be downloaded from the Safer Ryedale website at or you may request a copy from Gail Cook, Community Partnerships Officer Tel: 01653 600666 Ext: 314 or Email: gail.cook@ryedale.gov.uk