Commissioner in the hot seat at South Cheshire Pensioners Association meeting

Published: 25 February 2022

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer was in the hot seat as he took part in a question-and-answer session with the South Cheshire Pensioners Association (SCPA).

The SCPA promotes and protects the welfare and interests of older people in South Cheshire. This includes enabling them to share their views on policing and crime and speak frankly about the issues that directly affect them.

The Commissioner was invited by the group to give an update on his role, his priorities as Commissioner and an overview of policing and crime in the county. The floor was then opened for questions, which saw members ask questions on fraud, scams and police presence in their communities.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said:

“Being accessible to our communities is something that is very close to my heart. It’s important that people can build relationships with the local police and understand that their issues are being heard.

“Naturally, people want the reassurance that they will see a visible policing presence in their community. The policing budget that has been approved for this year, will see extra officers added to the front-line providing that reassurance.”

Fraud and scams was another hot topic of conversation at the meeting. During the Coronavirus pandemic, fraudsters have had to adapt the methods they use to extort money out of people. This has seen them implementing sophisticated methods, convincing the most vulnerable in society to part with their money.

John Dwyer added:

“In my Police and Crime Plan I talk about protecting people who are more vulnerable to certain types of crime, and older people are often targeted by fraud and scams.

“Fraudsters don’t care who they target and will often disappear as quickly as they appear. I can empathise with people’s concerns as I have been targeted by fraudsters and they can be very convincing.

“The golden rule to remember is if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. A legitimate caller won’t take offence if you ask questions or want to clarify if they’re from the organisation they claim to be from.”

You can report fraud online at ActionFraud (https://reporting.actionfraud.police.uk/login). Alternatively call the Police on 101, in the case of an emergency dial 999.

Find out more about South Cheshire Pensioners Association at www.scpa.co.uk