Ceredigion launches UK’s first Vulnerability Crimes Awareness Week

This week (15 – 19 March), Ceredigion Community Safety Partnership is launching the UK’s first ever Vulnerability Crimes Awareness Week — to raise awareness of crimes that target the area’s most vulnerable people and to inform the public of what they can do to help.

While crime rates in Ceredigion are among the lowest in the UK, vulnerable people are still at risk of being targeted through crimes such as scams and fraud, domestic abuse, cuckooing and County Lines — as shown in an emotive new film created to tackle the issue.

Funded by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, the Partnership has provided specialist training to public and third sector stakeholders, community groups, and volunteers — to help them spot the signs of vulnerability crimes and learn how to support those most at risk.

Meanwhile, nearly 50,000 households across Ceredigion have been sent information on how they can too support the initiative — by understanding the signs of vulnerability crimes and who may be at greater risk, and what to do if they suspect that someone is in danger.

Dafydd Llywelyn, Police and Crime Commissioner Dyfed-Powys said: “Anyone is at risk of becoming vulnerable and falling victim to crime, at any time — but they may be particularly vulnerable due to a personal factor such as mental health problems or disability, and situational factors such as financial difficulties or substance abuse.

“Members of the public often feel they may be ‘bothering’ the Police – particularly during the coronavirus pandemic – however this couldn’t be further from the truth. If something doesn’t seem right, it usually isn’t, and we need the public’s help in bringing these observations to our attention. The pandemic has drastically impacted people’s circumstances, meaning more people may be at risk of falling victim to crime than ever before. It is our job to help keep Ceredigion safe, and local people’s support is vital in helping us do so — concerns can even be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, added: “We’re extremely fortunate that crime levels here in Ceredigion are among the lowest in the UK, however there  is no room for complacency, which is why we are launching this extremely important Awareness Week.

“The County has pulled together more than ever before during the past year, and we hope that this campaign will once again unite the people of Ceredigion in becoming the eyes and ears of the community.”

If you believe someone is in immediate danger and you need support right away, call the Police on 999.

For further information about Ceredigion Vulnerability Crimes Awareness Week and to find out how you can help, please visit: http://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/VC.