Yesterday morning, 9.6.2018, some of you may be aware that Max at number 15 had the most awful experience.

Max is in his eighties and lives alone. At round 9am two males came to his door pretending to be workers repairing the drainage outside his property. They explained that they needed to source machinery and resources and convinced Max to hand over £200. They did not stop there as they then took his bank card and drove to Newton Abbot and withdrew the sum of £250 not once but twice.

Max realised this didn’t feel right and took the bus to the city centre where he went into the bank to report his concerns. This is when the police were called, and they are investigating from hereon in. Some of you might have received a house call from the police officer yesterday. I have spoken to Max’s family who are devastated and have safeguarded this happening by educating Max about such “vile individuals”, however they were very convincing and obviously very believable.

This has sparked a mix of emotions for me. One as a human being, how could something so cruel happen to this vulnerable lovely man whom many of us have known for a number of years. I dread to think what may have happened if he had refused to give them the cash?

Two, this has happened in our street. These people have obviously been observing our homes and come to realise who or who not to target. This makes me feel extremely protective of our little area of the world. What I am asking is for us to come together as community and begin to look out for each other a little more. I know this happens already for many of us but sometimes we become too busy and caught up with the small things we forget.

I would like us as a community to perhaps find it in ourselves to offer a little financial compensation to give back to Max and instil his confidence back in mankind. Should you wish to contribute I am beginning a collection today. Equally I understand this is a big ask but would in this case ask you to just look out for those around you both young and old.