Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner went along to the Moor Market in Sheffield last week to hand over a cheque for £3,800 to Age UK Sheffield.

Steve Chu, Chief Executive of Age UK Sheffield accepted the cheque from the Commissioner for the grant funding to help protect vulnerable people.

Dr Alan Billings said: “Many elderly people are at risk of becoming a victim of crime because they are not aware of how to keep themselves and their homes safe.  Simple crime prevention advice which Age UK Sheffield can deliver will help keep them safe,

“Criminals may target older people for cyber crime or distraction burglaries.  Crime has changed over recent years and people are not always aware that some people are out to scam them or gain entry to their properties to steal money or valuables.”

Age UK Sheffield have held a number of stalls in Moor Market during March to engage with shoppers who may be suspectable to becoming a victim of crime.  Leaflets and advice were given to people attending the stall.

Steve Chu said: “Whilst general crime prevention information is readily available, vulnerable older people are a hard-to-reach group, and may not be able to receive these messages.  We are a local, independent charity, operating only in Sheffield. Our support workers deliver free housing, health and benefits projects in the homes of vulnerable older people.

“The funding from the Conmmissioner’s Grant Scheme will target vulnerable people aged 50 and over in Sheffield. Through this project we can additionally reduce the likelihood of people becoming victims of crime, by discussing with them some simple crime prevention actions they can take to improve the safety of their homes and belongings.”

Age UK Sheffield provides a full range of services to over-50s. For more information you can visit their websitehttp://www.ageuk.org.uk/sheffield/ or call 0114 250 2850.