Intercoms are a crucial asset

Oct 2 2007 by Jackie Bow, South Wales Echo

A CAMPAIGN to deter bogus callers is getting a boost.

Crime prevention charity Safer Merthyr Tydfil has joined forces with South Wales electricity company Western Power Distribution to help vulnerable people feel more secure in their homes.

Residents can speak to callers without having to open their doors via a new door intercom system.

It’s the latest crime prevention device in the Homesafe scheme, which provides security advice and free locks to old people living alone.

WPD’s input means that more elderly people living alone will be able to benefit.

Safer Merthyr Tydfil’s executive director, Susan Cousins, said: “One of the most frightening crimes against older people is by bogus callers who use a sob story or a false identity to gain entry.”

She said early trials of the new intercom system were successful.

Phil Davies, WPD’s network services manager for Wales, said: “Elderly people should never be afraid to ask for proof of identity.”