Elderly and vulnerable residents in Potters Bar were given free personal alarms, during a presentation on how to avoid pickpockets in the town’s shops.

Police Community Support Officer Ross Paybody, Crime Prevention Officer Chrissie Barclay and Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Derrick Sweeney recently visited the Sixty Plus club at the Wyllyotts Centre, Wyllyotts Place.

One hundred personal alarms were funded by Hertsmere’s Crime Reduction Group. The initiative came about after a discussion at the last CRG meeting in which the problem of pickpockets operating in Potters Bar was highlighted.

PCSO Ross Paybody said: “Elderly people are targeted by pickpockets because they are considered more vulnerable.

“We gave a talk to the club about how they can protect themselves
against pickpockets and also how to make themselves less vulnerable in other situations. They can use the alarms to draw attention to themselves in circumstances where they may feel uncomfortable or to call for help if something does happen.

“The talk went very well and everybody took an alarm and a free pack home – with extra packs for their vulnerable friends and neighbours. We would like to thank the Crime Reduction Group for funding these alarms, and in particular, Chairman John Godfrey.”