A pensioner has helped hundreds of residents who have fallen victim to bogus callers in Redbridge.

Geraldine Maclaine has led the campaign for increased protection for pensioners and disabled people from doorstep criminals and bogus callers.

After founding the Old Protection scheme in 2011, she has advised hundreds of vulnerable people on how they can keep themselves safe from rogue traders.

She leads a group of volunteers who visit members of the community, giving advice about personal safety and bogus callers.

Over the years, she has visited hundreds of people who have been fleeced and written up in-depth reports of their experience.

On Tuesday, she received the Hero Award at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s conference, in Harrogate for her hard work.

Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive, said Geraldine’s work is credited with a reduction in doorstep crime.

He said: “Geraldine used her compassion and initiative to realise her vision of a better-protected environment for those who need it most.

“By working with trading standards and local agencies she has helped to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“It takes everyone to get involved to help best protect the vulnerable. Her efforts have already led to a drop in incidences of doorstep related crime.”

The scheme, which is supported by Redbridge Council, Age UK, Meals on Wheels, and the police, is well recognised across the borough as a useful deterrent.

In 2016, Geraldine received the Mayor’s Community Award for her work in relation to the Bogus Callers Partnership.

By playing people a video that shows a woman being conned, Geraldine has helped raise awareness of warning signs to look out for.

She also advises that you use a door chain before fully opening the door and that you ask for valid identification.

It is also recommended to check that telephone numbers are official.

Geraldine was nominated by Ed Chaplin, the trading standards and licensing manager at Redbridge Council.

He said: “Geraldine is an enormous asset in dealing with the cold caller problem within the borough.

“She works tirelessly, investing countless hours, to provide essential advice to the old and vulnerable”.

Hero award winners are nominated by the trading standards community for their outstanding contribution to consumer protection.

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