In News

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

Pharmacies in Staffordshire are working with the local police force to raise awareness of fraud by including leaflets with prescriptions explaining how the elderly and vulnerable population can protect themselves from scammers.

Staffordshire Police said four pharmacies – Touchwood Pharmacy at the Three Spires Centre, Touchwood Pharmacy at Boley Park, Whittington Pharmacy on Main Street and Prescription Care Services on Tamworth Road – are taking part in the initiative.

The pharmacies are delivering over a thousand leaflets every three months as Staffordshire Police’s Lichfield local policing team try to ensure older and vulnerable people who do not have access to the internet are aware of the risks posed by criminals. 

“While we know that social media and online advice and support has its place, we know that many vulnerable people who are often at risk of falling victim to this type of crime don’t always have access to the internet,” said sergeant V.Vo who is leading the initiative.

“That’s why we’ve launched the project – to reach people who may not otherwise engage with our support services and get them to think about their safety at the same time as their health, through these bespoke leaflets in their prescription bags.”

Jas Riat, superintendent pharmacist and business owner of Prescription Care Services, said: “It’s really positive that Staffordshire Police is being proactive in reaching out to vulnerable people, through this partnership scheme, to remind them to stop and think before sharing any personal or financial information.”