For your interest the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) are promoting a Scam Awareness Month to run throughout February 2011. It is something that can be quite relevant to Home Watch as many of us will have received items through the post/front door etc that we believe to be scams.
If any coordinators want to know more for their interest or any schemes are interested in seeing what is involved to participate/raise awareness you can find information via the following link:
http://www.mynhw.co.uk/news-full.php?id=1465
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Most wanted distraction burglaries
Crime Stoppers and the police have launched a national campaign to highlight and seek information about their 10 most wanted distraction burglars.
The attached press release includes information about the campaign and offers a link to the Crime Stoppers website where you can view the 10 most wanted list. Having looked at the list there are 2 offenders who are of interest nationally and another 2 who are listed as residing in Cheshire.
The police and crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, are today launching a list of the 10 ‘Most Wanted’ people sought in connection with distraction burglaries.
Three of last year’s 10 ‘Most Wanted’ received prison sentences, which highlights the value of the campaign. By raising the profile of the individuals, valuable information was brought forward leading to successful prosecutions.
The campaign will also warn the public to be careful about who they let into their homes especially as it approaches February, a time of year when burglaries traditionally peak. Distraction burglars trick their way in to the houses of the elderly and vulnerable, by pretending to be a type of official or asking for assistance.
Operation Liberal is a national police unit that provides a countrywide overview of distraction burglary crime and supports force’s investigations into distraction burglaries.
The 10 ‘Most Wanted’ individuals are featured on Crimestoppers Most Wanted site: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/wanted.
1
Dave Cording, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “Distraction burglars target the most vulnerable members of our communities, often the elderly. It is not simply the financial loss, but the effect this type of crime has on the victim, chipping away at their independence and their peace of mind.
“Cash is stolen by using a variety of different distraction tactics. The individuals highlighted prey on older people who may be at risk and need to be brought to justice.
“If you have any information on these most wanted individuals, please contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously, or fill in an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, we guarantee that no one will know your identity.”
Deputy Chief Constable for the East Midlands and Association of Chief Police Officers lead for Operation Liberal, Peter Goodman, said: “Operation Liberal works with all UK police forces to target and catch those who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.
“While distraction burglary isn’t a common crime, it often has a totally devastating effect on the victims. In addition to tracing the whereabouts of the 10 ‘Most Wanted’ distraction burglars, the campaign aims to raise awareness so people can prevent themselves from being deceived by these callous individuals. Our message is: if you’re not sure who is calling, then don’t open the door.
“Members of the public can help assist by reporting suspicious behaviour to the police or by contacting Crimestoppers, who will treat your call anonymously.”
-ENDS-
2
Crime Prevention Advice
A few tips to keep you safe:
• If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from ie. Gas, Electricity, Water and Police. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, they may be bogus.
• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them.
• Some areas in the country have Neighbourhood Watch or Nominated Neighbour Schemes you can sign up to. Check with your local police Safer Neighbourhood Team to find out if there is one in your area.
• Many utility service providers like Gas, Electricity and Water, provide password schemes or hotline numbers for customers to call, to check the identity of callers before opening the door. Speak to your utility provider.
• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. Only put the door chain on to answer the door.
• If somebody asks for your help, needs to make a telephone call, has lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or request a pen and paper for example, refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door. Or call a friend or neighbour to come and assist.
• If you suspect a bogus caller has visited you, even if you didn’t let them in, call the police straight away. We need to know!
3
The attached press release includes information about the campaign and offers a link to the Crime Stoppers website where you can view the 10 most wanted list. Having looked at the list there are 2 offenders who are of interest nationally and another 2 who are listed as residing in Cheshire.
The police and crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, are today launching a list of the 10 ‘Most Wanted’ people sought in connection with distraction burglaries.
Three of last year’s 10 ‘Most Wanted’ received prison sentences, which highlights the value of the campaign. By raising the profile of the individuals, valuable information was brought forward leading to successful prosecutions.
The campaign will also warn the public to be careful about who they let into their homes especially as it approaches February, a time of year when burglaries traditionally peak. Distraction burglars trick their way in to the houses of the elderly and vulnerable, by pretending to be a type of official or asking for assistance.
Operation Liberal is a national police unit that provides a countrywide overview of distraction burglary crime and supports force’s investigations into distraction burglaries.
The 10 ‘Most Wanted’ individuals are featured on Crimestoppers Most Wanted site: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/wanted.
1
Dave Cording, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “Distraction burglars target the most vulnerable members of our communities, often the elderly. It is not simply the financial loss, but the effect this type of crime has on the victim, chipping away at their independence and their peace of mind.
“Cash is stolen by using a variety of different distraction tactics. The individuals highlighted prey on older people who may be at risk and need to be brought to justice.
“If you have any information on these most wanted individuals, please contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously, or fill in an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, we guarantee that no one will know your identity.”
Deputy Chief Constable for the East Midlands and Association of Chief Police Officers lead for Operation Liberal, Peter Goodman, said: “Operation Liberal works with all UK police forces to target and catch those who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.
“While distraction burglary isn’t a common crime, it often has a totally devastating effect on the victims. In addition to tracing the whereabouts of the 10 ‘Most Wanted’ distraction burglars, the campaign aims to raise awareness so people can prevent themselves from being deceived by these callous individuals. Our message is: if you’re not sure who is calling, then don’t open the door.
“Members of the public can help assist by reporting suspicious behaviour to the police or by contacting Crimestoppers, who will treat your call anonymously.”
-ENDS-
2
Crime Prevention Advice
A few tips to keep you safe:
• If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from ie. Gas, Electricity, Water and Police. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, they may be bogus.
• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them.
• Some areas in the country have Neighbourhood Watch or Nominated Neighbour Schemes you can sign up to. Check with your local police Safer Neighbourhood Team to find out if there is one in your area.
• Many utility service providers like Gas, Electricity and Water, provide password schemes or hotline numbers for customers to call, to check the identity of callers before opening the door. Speak to your utility provider.
• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. Only put the door chain on to answer the door.
• If somebody asks for your help, needs to make a telephone call, has lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or request a pen and paper for example, refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door. Or call a friend or neighbour to come and assist.
• If you suspect a bogus caller has visited you, even if you didn’t let them in, call the police straight away. We need to know!
3
Phone Calls - Corrupted Files
Please be conscious that 2 people reported incidents yesterday in the area where they were contacted via the telephone by someone claiming that there were issues on their computer. I have also had these types of calls raised previously via the Home Watch Desk.
In one of yesterday's instances the male caller suggested that files had been corrupted on the computer and needed defragmenting and try to obtain personal details to assist in doing this. The caller did appear to have know the name of the householder but did not appear to have any other personal details.
In the second instance a female caller again suggested that computer files were corrupted and the machine may be at risk of a virus if not corrected. Again, the caller tried to get the householder to provide details and was quite persistent in trying to persuade them to provide information.
Both householders tried '1471' where no number could be obtained.
Please be conscious of this type of call. It appears to be becoming increasingly common as a way to try and get people to part with personal details and presumably money if you take up their offer to assist. In some instances the caller appears to know the householder's name - although understandably this may throw some householder's it is not an indication that this is someone more genuine calling. Personal data is a big commodity nowadays and it is very easy for companies to obtain simple contact details in various ways. Never buy any goods and services from anyone contacting you in this way. If you believe that there is a problem with your computer or are concerned about ensuring that your security is up to date/effective seek out your own advice from a reputable company, family member etc - someone whose credentials can be thoroughly checked out.
Please make members aware of this as although many people are proficient with computers some people may not be as confident or may be new to using computers - callers can be quite persuasive particularly when suggesting that there are security issues on your machine and people could easily fall foul of this.
If anyone has any major issues with these callers or obtain any further details about this company such as name, contact number etc please contact consumer direct via 08454 04 05 06 or email them directly from the 'Contact Us' section of their website.
In one of yesterday's instances the male caller suggested that files had been corrupted on the computer and needed defragmenting and try to obtain personal details to assist in doing this. The caller did appear to have know the name of the householder but did not appear to have any other personal details.
In the second instance a female caller again suggested that computer files were corrupted and the machine may be at risk of a virus if not corrected. Again, the caller tried to get the householder to provide details and was quite persistent in trying to persuade them to provide information.
Both householders tried '1471' where no number could be obtained.
Please be conscious of this type of call. It appears to be becoming increasingly common as a way to try and get people to part with personal details and presumably money if you take up their offer to assist. In some instances the caller appears to know the householder's name - although understandably this may throw some householder's it is not an indication that this is someone more genuine calling. Personal data is a big commodity nowadays and it is very easy for companies to obtain simple contact details in various ways. Never buy any goods and services from anyone contacting you in this way. If you believe that there is a problem with your computer or are concerned about ensuring that your security is up to date/effective seek out your own advice from a reputable company, family member etc - someone whose credentials can be thoroughly checked out.
Please make members aware of this as although many people are proficient with computers some people may not be as confident or may be new to using computers - callers can be quite persuasive particularly when suggesting that there are security issues on your machine and people could easily fall foul of this.
If anyone has any major issues with these callers or obtain any further details about this company such as name, contact number etc please contact consumer direct via 08454 04 05 06 or email them directly from the 'Contact Us' section of their website.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Purse thefts
Please be aware that in the last week there have been a small amount of purse thefts reported at a very small number of schools, medical centres and at Leighton hospital within the Crewe area. In two reports, it seems that a male has entered a staff area and removed purses from a handbag. When disturbed the male has stated that he was looking for a toilet or the staff room. The aggrieved persons have later received phone calls from a male purporting to be from a reputed bank to request their pin numbers to investigate withdrawals from the accounts. Money has subsequently been stolen from the accounts.
The small number of instances that have currently been reported appear to relate to education/medical premises and it appears to be staff areas that have been affected at this time. However, as many of us do have cause to frequent schools, doctors surgeries and the hospital please be conscious of these thefts. As always, make sure that you are mindful of the security of your personal belonging whilst out and about in public places. Equally, please remember that your bank will never contact their customers to request personal details such as your pin number, account numbers, card numbers or sort codes via the telephone. If you receive any calls of this nature please refrain from providing any personal details whatsoever and report any such calls to your bank directly.
If anyone requires any advice about purse dipping or leaflets for their members on this subject please contact the home watch desk via this email or 01244 614332.
The small number of instances that have currently been reported appear to relate to education/medical premises and it appears to be staff areas that have been affected at this time. However, as many of us do have cause to frequent schools, doctors surgeries and the hospital please be conscious of these thefts. As always, make sure that you are mindful of the security of your personal belonging whilst out and about in public places. Equally, please remember that your bank will never contact their customers to request personal details such as your pin number, account numbers, card numbers or sort codes via the telephone. If you receive any calls of this nature please refrain from providing any personal details whatsoever and report any such calls to your bank directly.
If anyone requires any advice about purse dipping or leaflets for their members on this subject please contact the home watch desk via this email or 01244 614332.
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