Cumbria flood victims urged to be vigilant

FLOOD victims are being asked to make sure they don't become prey to looters or rogue traders taking advantage of the devastation.

As the recovery process gets underway in south Cumbria police say its vitally important to protect your home and your property.

Sharon Livesey Sharon Livesey, Barrow and south Cumbria's crime prevention officer said: "At this time the message we really want to put out is to remain vigilant.

"Wherever possible take valuable and sentimental items out of your property. Store them at a relatives or put into storage to avoid becoming a victim of looters.

"If you have to leave the house it needs to be locked up to avoid burglars gaining access.

"If you do need to leave a window one for ventilation then make sure it's one that is inaccessible to an intruder. The same goes if you are still living in the property.

"Look after your elderly and more vulnerable neighbours who have been affected by flooding because this is also a time when rogue traders may try and take advantage of the situation.

"People may be approached by unscrupulous builders, roofers and maintenance men or women. They want to exploit people's vulnerabilities.

"They get people to employ them to do work which is likely to be of a poor standard and cost more than it should.

"The chances are when the work is done, if it is in fact done, that if there are any problems you won't be able to get hold of these traders again."

Miss Livesey added that any reputable firm does not need to cold call to get business as they would be busy.

She advised using social media, such as Facebook, to get word of mouth recommendations about local workmen.

Miss Livesey added: "Make sure you get a quote and are given a cooling off period. Also get land line numbers and addresses for their business."

She also advised people to sign up to www.cumbriacommunitymessages.co.uk for up to date safety information in your community.

The crime prevention officer said: "Don't take what you are told on your doorstep at face value and do not let people into your home. Just because they are wearing a high-vis jacket does not mean anything.

"Ask them to come back when you can get a member of your family or a friend there too."

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