A special key holder scheme has been set up to help property owners react quickly to emergencies at their premises.
Lancashire Constabulary has set up an information database – called Keypoint – through which residents and business owners can nominate people who can be contacted by the police or other emergency services if an incident occurs at the address. This would include an alarm being set off, or in the event of gas leaks, burst pipes or similar.
These nominated keyholders can then go to the home or business to deal with the problem if the owner themselves is not available.
Keyholders can be members of staff, or a trusted friend or relative, and they should live no more than 20 minutes away from the address.
Iain Hamilton, the force’s head of contact management, said: “If the owner is not able to attend the property themselves in the event of an emergency then it is useful to have a named contact who the police can get in touch with. This person should know how to turn off the alarm, know where the electricity, gas and water supplies can be isolated and will have information such as if there are any dogs, chemicals or other hazards at the property.”
He added: “This will lead to a speedier resolution to any problems at the property and will provide you with peace of mind.”
A small cost will apply for joining the scheme.
• For more information visit www.lancashire.police.uk/keypoint or email keypoint@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or call 01772 410107.