New technology to prevent vulnerable people from going missing is being trialled by West Midlands Police as part of a partnership with Dudley Council.
Dudley Police is working with the council to introduce Pebbell trackers which can be used by relatives or carers of people suffering from dementia to monitor their whereabouts.
The gadgets - which are just several inches long - have built-in GPS to immediately pinpoint the location of someone who is considered at high risk of going missing.
Pictured: PC Arnold with Elizabeth Orange who has a relative using a Pebbell
Dudley Partnerships Team have received funding to start piloting some of the Pebbell’s which can be worn around the neck using a lanyard or attached to personal belongings they regularly take out such as a bag or dog lead.
Families can text the Pebbell’s own distinctive number and will receive a response which has a map of the owner’s location - it means they can locate loved ones without having to rely on police or partner agencies.
If they call and receive no response then the device will pick up background sounds which can also help to pinpoint the surroundings.
Each Pebbell is monitored by relatives or carers with the support of the council’s Dudley Telecare Service which helps reduce the demand on police resources.
The council has already successfully introduced the technology to some of its residents.
Pictured: PC Arnold with Elizabeth Orange and colleagues from Dudley Council
Elizabeth Orange has seen the benefits of the Pebbell in keeping tabs on her 61-year-old uncle who had been reported as missing several times before receiving a device.
She said: "I didn’t want to stop him going out after he was diagnosed with dementia; but it was a real worry when I couldn’t get in touch with him. The police had to find him after he went missing a couple of times.
"But the Pebbell is fantastic as even if he doesn’t answer his mobile I can keep a check on where he is. It has taken a lot of the anxiety away for me."
The West Midlands Police pilot is being led through Dudley partnership officers Andy Arnold and Sarah Nixon.
Missing persons officer, PC Arnold, said: “This latest technology is invaluable in keeping in touch with someone with dementia who can be prone to going missing.
“Those with dementia are able to keep their independence but can be tracked and give their loved ones and carers some peace of mind.
“The devices also reduce the demand on police resources in finding someone who has wandered off; as they can be quickly identified by family members or staff from Dudley Telecare Service."
Councillor Qadar Zada, cabinet lead for adult social care at Dudley Council said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with West Midlands Police, providing support through our Dudley Telecare Service, to people with dementia.
"The pebbell is an innovative gadget which already supports many people across Dudley Borough who have dementia, and their families and carers.
"It really has proved that it can change peoples lives, providing freedom to people with dementia and reassurance and peace of mind to family members and carers."
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