News and Crime Reduction
Police warning
Police are warning of a spate of shed burglaries that are occuring throughout the Wickford area.Please make sure that your shed is padlocked securely and that any valuable items are property marked with your post code and street number.
We are always warning our children about giving out information about themselves while “chatting” on the internet but we adults can be just a guilty of this as shown in the warning below.
We don’t give total strangers details about ourselves when we meet face to face so why do so when on line?
Social Networking - helping criminals
The combined use of the various social networking media can identify when you are not at home or are alone.
Sharing your every move with friends and family on social networking sites is an increasingly popular pastime. But providing minute-by-minute updates on sites such as Twitter has also made it far easier for users to become victims of crime.
Social networking crazes such as Foursquare, in which users post their location online, are a goldmine for potential burglars. Foursquare is a Twitter-type application which turns city maps into game boards, helps friends meet up, and awards 'prizes' to the most active of its 150,000 followers. They 'check in' on their mobile phone to record their position on a map, indicating where they are and more importantly, where they aren't. It's called geolocation technology.
Those details are fed to Twitter and can be searched by anyone in the world. A search for '4sq -@foursquarelondon' on Twitter reveals a stream of information posted by Londoners who have left their houses - creating a potential burglars' wish-list.
Combined with Facebook and other social networking sites, there is a raft of information available to the criminal. Criminals monitoring our movements can, with a little extra investigation, pin down our exact address and simply wait for the tweet that says 'nobody's home'.
In some cases users 'check in' giving the exact address of a friend's home they are visiting, which makes life even easier for the criminal. There is a Dutch website that actually trawls the various networking sites and then publishes addresses that are empty - albeit from a crime prevention stance.
Social networking crazes such as Foursquare, in which users post their location online, are a goldmine for potential burglars. Foursquare is a Twitter-type application which turns city maps into game boards, helps friends meet up, and awards 'prizes' to the most active of its 150,000 followers. They 'check in' on their mobile phone to record their position on a map, indicating where they are and more importantly, where they aren't. It's called geolocation technology.
Those details are fed to Twitter and can be searched by anyone in the world. A search for '4sq -@foursquarelondon' on Twitter reveals a stream of information posted by Londoners who have left their houses - creating a potential burglars' wish-list.
Combined with Facebook and other social networking sites, there is a raft of information available to the criminal. Criminals monitoring our movements can, with a little extra investigation, pin down our exact address and simply wait for the tweet that says 'nobody's home'.
In some cases users 'check in' giving the exact address of a friend's home they are visiting, which makes life even easier for the criminal. There is a Dutch website that actually trawls the various networking sites and then publishes addresses that are empty - albeit from a crime prevention stance.
112 Emails
Are you one of the people who have received an email
normally from a friend or relative telling you about
an incident involving the Police and a young girl called
Lauren in the Dorset area?
Unfortunately the web can be a pack of lies, people
for their own reasons, a joke or sometimes more
sinister, post articles that are inaccurate and could
lead some terrible consequences.
If you have had such an email-do a check on a website
called www.snopes.com. This is a commercial site but
it will advise you as to the truthfulness of a post.
For the record this email has been doing the rounds
since at least 2002 on both sides of the Atlantic
AND 999and 112 work in exactly the same way,
112 being the pan European emergency number.
SCAMS
Telephone scams
Bogus calls designed to convince you to hand over your credit card or bank details are a real problem. Be cautious.
If you ar by telephone and told that you have won a prize, think for a minute: did you enter any competitions?
Odds are you didn't.
The vast majority of the time, these calls are scams, originating from abroad and designed to convince you to give over personal details such as your bank account number or credit card information.
If this happens to you, just hang up the phone. If you ever do win, you will never be asked for personal details, nor would you ever have to pay anything in order to collect your winnings - that's a sure sign that something is wrong.
Many people have been taken in by these scams, and some have lost their entire life savings.
Don't be one of them.
· never give out personal details over the phone
· always ask for more information
- be sure you know who you're talking to
- keep your bank account details safe
Scams checklist
Scams come in different forms - letters, email, telephone calls, text messages and face to face.
Promotions of this kind are a dishonest attempt to trap you into parting with your money.
If you are approached and offered something that seems too good to be true, before you respond ask yourself these questions:
· Was the offer unsolicited?
· Does it look too good to be true?
· Do I have to respond 'at once' - what's the rush?
· Do I have to make a purchase to win a prize?
· Do I have to ring a premium rate telephone number?
· Do I have to give my bank or credit card details?
· Do I have to send the money to a PO Box number?
· Am I asked to keep it confidential?
· Can I afford to lose the money?
Before you part with any money, take legal or professional advice because the chances are, once you have sent it, you will never see it again.
Know who you're dealing with
Version:1.10.0.3
Hash:
You can reduce your chances of being swindled by knowing who it is you are dealing with.
· Ask for the name of the person you are speaking to and who they represent.
· Take notes of conversations, including dates, times, names and important points.
· Ask for an explanation of anything you don't understand.
· Read letters carefully and seek professional help (e.g. an accountant or a solicitor) if significant money, time or responsibilities are involved.
· If you want to check out the bona fides of a company, contact Companies House or the Financial Services Authority.
· Find out who you are dealing with. Independently verify any claims made by a sales person, investment adviser or advertisement.
· Make sure that any company you deal with complies with the applicable legislation (In the UK, all companies must be registered with Companies House).
· Only do business with companies you know and
· trust
· Make sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions of any offer made to you
· Take your time before you make any decision.
· Don't provide any financial or other personal information before you establish whether the company is legitimate.
· Understand and monitor your investments, ask frequent questions and map out your financial goals before you meet with a financial planner.
· Don't judge the credibility of a company or sales
· person by how 'professional' they or their promotional
· material or website seems.
· Don't fall for high-pressure sales tactics.
· Don't let embarrassment or fear keep you
· from reporting fraud or abuse to the
· appropriate authorities.
· Don't ever be afraid to ask questions.
· In fact, the more questions you ask the better.
Avoid being scammed
These tips can help you avoid spam scams:
· Protect your personal information. Share credit card or other personal information only when you're buying from a company you know and trust.
· Know who you're dealing with. Don't do business with any company that won't provide its name, street address, and telephone number so you can check up on them before making any commitment.
· Take your time. Resist any urge to 'act now' despite the offer and the terms. Once you turn over your money, you may never get it back.
· Read the small print. Get all promises in writing and review them carefully before you make a payment or sign a contract.
· Never pay for a 'free' gift. Disregard any offer that asks you to pay for a gift or prize. If it's free or a gift, you shouldn't have to pay for it - free means free.
In all situations, the old maxim applies:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Your Home
Good home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled.
A lot of burglaries are spur of the moment,
as a burglar may see an open window or other easy point of entry and take
their chance.
Basic tips:
· When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows -
-
even if you are just going out for a short time.
· Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in (and remember, a burglar is less likely
to break in if they have to smash a window).
· If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for
a thief to get out again. But don't leave the key near the door,
in an obvious place.
· Don't leave spare keys outside, or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or
garage keys out of sight in the house.
· Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight.
They will create the impression that someone is in
· Visible burglar alarms, good lighting, and carefully directed and limited
security lighting can act as deterrents.
But make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbours, and that alarms turn off
after 20 minutes.
· Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure,
but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in
without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with
prickly shrubs.
· Fitting a 'spy hole' allows you to see who is at the door. Having a door chain means you can open the door a little way to talk to
Who ?
who can help you do this
Tennants
· If you rent your house or flat, your landlord has some responsibility towards its security. If your home is not secure,
ask the landlord if they will make necessary improvements. It will be cheaper for them
to fit window locks than to mend
a broken window.
· If you live in social housing, or in a block of rented flats, forming a tenants' association might make security easier.
Home owners:
· Spending money on security measures can seem daunting, but it is a good investment, will last a long time and
can add value to your property.
· Contact your council or local police for help. They may be able to advise you on the best measures to protect
your property,
You may be aware that there have been several reports
just recently of various companies cold calling and using
hard sell techniques around Essex.
We have had companies who are offering roof sealing services,
painting services, gardening services, landscaping and driveways
and tree surgeons. We have also had security companies who
state that they work with Essex Police and indicate that there
has been an increase in crime in your area.
Please note that Essex Police do not fit alarms and none
are linked direct to any Police Station.
Essex Police do not recommend or endorse any specific alarm
or security company.
Our advice when purchasing alarm systems or security devices
is as follows: Always obtain written quotations from at least
three bone-fide alarm companies who are either NACOSS or
SSAIB approved alarm installers. This will give you the opportunity
to compare costs.
All companies by law have to give you a 7 day calling off period. No matter what you sign up to, if you do change your mind about having the work completed, look through the documents you have signed and they will have a section which allows you to cancel the agreement as long as you do this within 7 days.
Many reputable firms can be accessed through local telephone
directories.
If you have any doubts about the purchase of alarms or security
devices or any service being offered to you then you should not
sign any agreement without giving yourselves time to think
things through and ask family/friends for their opinion.
In the event that you are unhappy with any company you have
dealt with, you have a complaint about being intimidated by the
use of pressurised selling techniques call Essex Trading Standards
on 08454 04 05 06.
If anyone wishes security advice for their property they should
contact their local Crime Reduction Officer on 0300 333 4444.
logged 8 feb 2010
Yesterday afternoon 2 males called at a house in Brock Hill purporting to be from E-ON
electricity.
When the lady asked them for the password they seemed quite baffled by the request.
Male 1 - white, tall, wearing pin striped suit (this male did not speak).
Male 2 - about 5ft5", black, wearing slacks and a pink jumper.
I have been in contact with EON this morning and they state they had no sales persons
in the area yesterday. If they were from EON they would be wearing bright red jackets,
black trousers and grey shirts. Please make your NHW members aware.
(The lady that called this in is a member already and did everything right).
You may be aware that there have been several reports just recently of various companies cold calling and using hard sell techniques around Essex.
We have had companies who are offering roof sealing services, painting services, gardening services, landscaping and driveways and tree surgeons. We have also had security companies who state that they work with Essex Police and indicate that there has been an increase in crime in your area.
Please note that Essex Police do not fit alarms and none are linked direct to any Police Station.
Essex Police do not recommend or endorse any specific alarm or security company.
Our advice when purchasing alarm systems or security devices is as follows: Always obtain written quotations from at least three bone-fide alarm companies who are either NACOSS or SSAIB approved alarm installers. This will give you the opportunity to compare costs.
All companies by law have to give you a 7 day calling off period. No matter what you sign up to, if you do change your mind about having the work completed, look through the documents you have signed and they will have a section which allows you to cancel the agreement as long as you do this within 7 days.
Many reputable firms can be accessed through local telephone directories.
If you have any doubts about the purchase of alarms or security devices or any service being offered to you then you should not sign any agreement without giving yourselves time to think things through and ask family/friends for their opinion.
In the event that you are unhappy with any company you have dealt with, you have a complaint about being intimidated by the use of pressurised selling techniques call Essex Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06.
If anyone wishes security advice for their property they should contact their local Crime Reduction Officer on 0300 333 4444.
who can you trust web site
A Consumer Rights Q&A for Christmas Shoppers
As the Christmas shopping frenzy is beginning to approach its peak many people are rushing to buy the latest must-have gadgets and toys or looking forward to the sales. The Know Your Consumer Rights campaign, launched earlier this year, is reminding people not to forget their rights through the festive period.
The key rules highlighted by the campaign are:
- Goods must fit the description given
- Goods must be of satisfactory quality
- Goods must be fit for purpose
The Trading Standard Institute’s consumer advice lead officer Pam Gregory answers some common festive queries:
Do I have the same rights if I buy something in the sales?
Yes. If something is faulty, mis-described or not fit for purpose then it doesn’t matter if it was full price or in the sale – you are entitled to your money back. However, it is up to an individual retailer whether they want to take back an item because you have changed your mind.
What about unwanted gifts?
Again, it is up to the individual store whether they want to take back unwanted gifts. My advice would be to check with the retailer when you buy the gift and consider asking for a gift receipt.
Do I have any rights if I buy from the internet?
Yes. You actually have additional rights when you buy a gift from an internet retailer. You have a ‘cooling off’ period of seven days, unless the gift is custom made, during which any order can be cancelled or returned without any reason being given and they must give you a full refund.
If my new gadget breaks on Boxing Day who should give me a refund – the manufacturer or the retailer?
When you buy something your contract is with the retailer and not the manufacturer – therefore if the goods are not up to scratch then it is the retailer, and not the manufacturer, who should give you a refund or replacement or repair the item concerned.
What protection is there for credit card purchases?
If you use a credit card to buy goods or services costing over £100 and up to £30,000, you may be protected under the Consumer Credit Act. This states that the credit card company is equally liable for any breach of contract, so if a problem arises you can claim from the trader or the credit card company.
How can I find out more about my rights?
If you’ve paid for something and you’re not happy, establishing your rights is the first step towards claiming the refund, repair or replacement you may be entitled to. Consumer Direct is a government-funded advice service for consumers and should be your first port of call for practical help with how to complain. For more information go to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call the helpline 08454 04 05 06. There’s also a quiz on the website where you can test your knowledge of consumer rights and win £150 of shopping vouchers.
Consumer Minister Kevin Brennan, representing the department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “We want to see a big improvement in the awareness of this consumer protection available, and of consumer rights in general.
“You are much more likely to get a fair deal, save money and get the right result if you are aware of your rights. This is especially important at Christmas when most people are spending money both on gifts and in the sales.”
Shoppers are advised to contact Consumer Direct www.consumerdirect.gov.uk if they need any further advice. They can also test their knowledge of consumer rights by taking part in a quick quiz on website where they will have the chance of winning £150 of shopping vouchers each month.
view outside to advertise your good fortune to criminals.
· Stay alert when using your mobile. It is very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand.
· Always put shopping and parcels in the boot of your car when driving.
· Don't return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping, as thieves may watch car parks.
· Don't leave valuables on the seat of your car - they attract thieves.
· Keep the car door locked, even when travelling. criminals
Don't reveal your bank card pin number.
Elderly residents have been urged to be on their guard against fraudsters posing as police officers who are tricking their victims into revealing their bank details.
In Essex, the fake policemen have targeted over 70 people since the start of September, some being successful. In the worst case, in Chelmsford on Monday, October 12, £28,000 was taken from the bank account of a woman in her eighties. In other incidents £4,000 was taken from an 80-year-old woman at Leigh on Sea, £750 from a victim in Westcliff, £800 in a case at Braintree and £600 from a person in Colchester.
The tricksters are posing as police fraud officers and tell their victims that their bank accounts have been entered by fraudsters. They then go on to ask the victim for a PIN number over the telephone and to leave the bank cards in an envelope outside the front door or halfway through the letterbox, so that they can be collected later. The cards are then picked up, and with the PIN number, they are used to withdraw large sums of cash.
Crime reduction officer, Graham Anthony said: “Never part with bank cards and never reveal your PIN number. If you get such a call take details and then telephone police on 999. Likewise, if you also get a call that purports to be from the bank, take the details and phone the bank back on the contact number that you have on your bank card, don’t use the number they give you. Don’t be conned by these callous crooks”
“A legitimate person would never, under any circumstances, ask you to disclose your PIN number for a bank card over the phone and anyone receiving such a request should terminate the call and consider calling the police. In addition, no-one would ever legitimately ask you to hand over your bank cards.
“We can all play a part in stopping these appalling offences and Essex Police encourages listeners/readers to speak to neighbours, friends or relatives, making sure they understand the good advice given above. The more people who are aware of this type of crimes, the less chance there will be that these wicked people will be successful.”
|
|
Crime prevention
If you have or are going to get a SAT NAV, then please think about your home address. Don’t put
In your home postcode or address ,use a local landmark. After all you know where you are once
you’ve seen the Town Sign. BUT if your sat nav is stolen it gives the thief direct instructions on
how to get to your home.
Neighbourhood watch and Essex police also have sat nav kits to remove the telltale marks on your
Windscreen.
At the recent Co-coordinators meeting at Runwell Parish
Hall on 26 October 2009, Martin Engleman, principal of Engleman
Will Writing Services, gave a presentation entitled ‘Taking the Mystery
out of Wills’. Martin is a qualified member of the Institute of
Professional Will Writers and is a Licensed Legal Consultant with
APS Legal & Associates, a national firm of professional Will Writers &
Legal Specialist Estate Planning Practitioners.
Martin first explained his background in Management
Accountancy and Financial Services spanning over 40 years
He then described how the government Rules of Intestacy,
which come into play when a person dies with no Will
arrangements, can cause serious financial problems
by depriving their surviving spouse of a substantial part of
the deceased’s estate, or even the whole of the estate in the
case of an unmarried surviving partner.
He also advised the roles of Executors, Legal Guardians
and Trustees, how Inheritance Tax at 40% can be
mitigated by suitable Will provisions, and the benefits of
a Property Protection Trust for protecting children’s
interests in the matrimonial home upon the surviving spouse
re-marrying and/or going into care.
Basic Will Writing fees are moderate at just £89 for a
Single Will, £60 for a partner/spouse Will, and are not related to length of consultation, being fixed according to the Will package required.
Martin offers a home visit service, saving clients travel time
car expenses and parking charges, and lives locally in
Wickford, being a fellow NW Co-coordinator. He can be
contacted by email on engleman@talktalk.net or by
telephone on 01268 761022.
At the recent Co-coordinators meeting at Runwell Parish
Hall on 26 October 2009, Martin Engleman, principal of Engleman
Will Writing Services, gave a presentation entitled ‘Taking the Mystery
out of Wills’. Martin is a qualified member of the Institute of
Professional Will Writers and is a Licensed Legal Consultant with
APS Legal & Associates, a national firm of professional Will Writers &
Legal Specialist Estate Planning Practitioners.
Martin first explained his background in Management
Accountancy and Financial Services spanning over 40 years
He then described how the government Rules of Intestacy,
which come into play when a person dies with no Will
arrangements, can cause serious financial problems
by depriving their surviving spouse of a substantial part of
the deceased’s estate, or even the whole of the estate in the
case of an unmarried surviving partner.
He also advised the roles of Executors, Legal Guardians
and Trustees, how Inheritance Tax at 40% can be
mitigated by suitable Will provisions, and the benefits of
a Property Protection Trust for protecting children’s
interests in the matrimonial home upon the surviving spouse
re-marrying and/or going into care.
Basic Will Writing fees are moderate at just £89 for a
Single Will, £60 for a partner/spouse Will, and are not related to length of consultation, being fixed according to the Will package required.
Martin offers a home visit service, saving clients travel time
car expenses and parking charges, and lives locally in
Wickford, being a fellow NW Co-coordinator. He can be
contacted by email on engleman@talktalk.net or by
telephone on 01268 761022.
Home Security
A lot of burglaries are spur of the moment, as a burglar may see an open window or other easy point of entry and take their chance. Effective home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled.
Basic tips:
· Leave a light on if you are out during the evenings to make it look like someone is at home. Low energy bulbs are cheap and don’t cost a lot to run.
· Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. They will create the impression that someone is in.
· Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in (and remember, a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window).
- Fit five-lever mortise deadlocks (British Standard BS3621) to all external doors. They make it harder for a thief to get out again.
- When you go out, always lock the door and windows - even if you are just going out for a short time Remove the keys and keep them out of sight and in a safe place.
· Visible burglar alarms, good lighting, and carefully directed and limited security lighting can act as deterrents and make burglars think twice.
- Burglar alarms connected to a monitoring service are the best; get specialist advice and always get several quotes if you decide to install an alarm.
· Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing with prickly shrubs next to it or weak trellis which will deter because they wont take the weight of a person.
· Fitting a door viewer (‘spy-hole’) allows you to see who is at the door.
· Having a door chain or door bar means you can open the door a little way to talk. Don't leave the door chain or bar on all the time in case you need to get out in an emergency.
· If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) and PAS 24-1 (doors).
· Consider fitting a letterbox cage or other restrictor to prevent thieves from reaching through to open the door.
· Never leave a spare key outside, or in a garage or shed, or in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick - thieves know to look there first.
· Marking your property can deter burglars because it is harder for a thief to sell on and may also help police secure a conviction. Ultra Violet marker pens are available free from NhW.
Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch brings communities together, and helps people look out for one another.
Working together, residents have proven over and over again that they are an effective anti-crime team and that they will work hard to keep in touch with local police, and ensuring that their community stays safe.
Anyone interested in joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme should contact Geoff Whiter on 01268 244089
Police and Neighbourhood Watch warn against possible insurance scam.
Householders are warned to be on their guard against letters claiming to be from legitimate insurance companies, enclosing policies for car or house insurance.
In examples brought to the attention of police in various parts of the country, the letters show recipients' correct name and address but account details, dates of birth and other pieces of information have been incorrect.
It is thought that some people are posing as brokers and are putting forward these new policies and collecting a fee. The fraudsters may be using information from telephone books and polling lists to create the fake policies.
A number of insurance companies are investigating the matter themselves and their advice is that anyone receiving such a policy should send it back with `not known at this address' on the envelope.
Neighbourhood Watch advice:
Stay ahead of frauds & scams
- If you are approached by letter then do what you would with any other junk mail and throw it in the rubbish bin.
- If you are approached by e-mail do not reply. Forward it to the abuse service of the Internet Service provider from where it originated. Activate your spam blocker against that particular address and then delete it.
- If you are approached by telephone do not give out any information and hang up.
Please remember that you have not been targeted personally. Scam letters, e-mails, telephone calls and faxes are sent out in their thousands daily to individuals and companies worldwide.
I have received a copy of an email doing the rounds, as below, which relates to a potential phone scam.
BT ( Nuisance Calls Bureau 0800 411 422 ) say they would firstly want to know who took the original call and want the number it went through on, so that they can trace it. The email does not have number mentioned so I am unable to contact the first person who sent it out. This is probably a hoax email, but BT are interested and have asked that if anyone else receives this message that they forward them on to abuse@btbroadband.com
BT also quote that if there is an issue of any unpaid bill, they would send you a letter, they would never deal with this through a phone call and would not ask for credit card details.
Please note that the number given below 0800 0800 152 is actually a BT Business Customers service number.
Below is the message that is going around.
PLEASE PASS ON TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY.
The new telephone 'scam' has arrived in Medway. Sept 1st 2009
I received a call from a 'representative' of BT, informing me that he was dis-connecting me because of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment immediately of £31.00, or it would be £118.00 to re-connect at a later date.
The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental!
I asked the guy's name - the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent & phone number - 0800 0800 152.
Obviously the fella realized I wasn't believing his story, so offered todemonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone - he would dis-connect my phone to prevent this.
AND HE DID !! My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again.
Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he waswith BT.
I asked how the payment was to be made &am p; he said credit card,there & then.
I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't believe his name or that he worked forBT.
He hung up.
Did 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not recognised.
I phoned the police to let them know , I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently but it is escalating.
Their advice was to let as many people know by word of mouth of this scam.
The fact that the phone does go off would probably convince some people it's
real, so please let as many friends & family aware of this.
Published 15 September
