128 Operation Liberal This relates to distraction burglary which often affects those more isolated or otherwise at risk. Offenders fabricate a story, for example claiming to be from a public organisation or looking for a lost dog or ball to enable them to gain access to homes. Closely linked are deceptions carried out by those undertaking building or gardening work who charge exorbitant amounts for shoddy or at times no work. There is substantial evidence that most offenders will travel large distances to commit their offences, which makes it more difficult to apprehend them. Operation Liberal is a national initiative, involving all 43 Police forces in England and Wales, which is specifically designed to tackle this type of offence. Dorset Police have a plan in place to deal with such reports. Operation Montana Operation Montana is the South West Regional response to offences of Distraction Burglary and Rogue Trading (commonly known as Artifice Crime). It is part of Operation Liberal, which offers a national co-ordinated approach to the investigation of these crime types. Dorset Police have a plan in place to deal with such reports. Annex 3 – Top tips for social care and health practitioners Ensure you are aware of scams There is an excellent on-line training session (which takes no more than 40 minutes to complete) at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk You could also ask for a member of your local Trading Standards Teams to come and speak at you next local team meeting which will give you a real idea of the work being undertaken locally and how you could link in and support this. Be able to look out for the signs of someone who may be responding to scams Identifying scam victims can be difficult as they: May be aware of their victim’s status Are instructed to remain quiet by the criminals Feel guilt, shame or are in denial Fear that they will lose their social or financial independence if they tell their friends or family Don’t want to lose their ‘friendship’ with the criminals There are some key signs to look out for by observing a victim’s behaviour or when visiting their home: High volume of scam mail Hoard large quantities of ‘worthless’ goods & cheap ‘tat’ Be living in shocking or unsanitary conditions Poor personal hygiene High usage of chequebooks or debit/credit cards Frequent visits to the Post Office Not paying bills or buying food
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