IT is only a matter of time before unscrupulous scammers try to profit from the coronavirus crisis.
That was the view of Sgt Simon Rogers, of Barnard Castle Police, when he updated town councillors on the latest crimes issues in the area.
He warned people to be on their guard.
“Do I think some one will try to make money out of it?
“It is a certainty,” he said.
“You have to think there are people plotting how they are going to make money out of it.”
He also said people should only trust those they know if anyone staying at home or self-isolating received offers of help.
“There are going to be some genuine people out there wanting to do it for the right reasons.
“But there will be those others wanting to take advantage of people.”
On other matters, Sgt Rogers said as far as the annual Appleby migration goes this year, it was a case of “watch and see what happens” situation.
He explained that unlike other mass participation events – which the Government has said will not be policed – Appleby Fair did not have a central organiser from the travelling community to deal with, despite the “massive impact” the event has on police resources.
Sgt Rogers said planning for the event had begun in January and further meetings were planned after which he said he hoped to know more about this year’s arrangements.
Cllr Ian Kirkbride said: “Given the scale of the (coronavirus) problem, you would think the travelling fraternity would take a more responsible attitude.”
Sgt Rogers replied: “You would hope common sense would take over, but we will have to wait and see.”
Subsequent to the town council meeting, the fair was cancelled.
He ended by issuing his annual appeal for gardeners to lock up their sheds and keep equipment out of sight with the arrival of the light nights.
“Criminals know you are getting new stuff at this time of year,” he said.
“If you are buying new equipment, mark it so it is identifiable and make sure it is locked away at night,” he added.
