October 2021


BURGLARY

As you will see below – unfortunately, there have been 2 further burglaries reported in the village since last month’s article.  It is highly likely that both burglaries were committed on the same morning by the same offender(s) and they thought (for whatever reason) that both properties were unoccupied.  This wasn’t the case in one incident but, thankfully, the offender ran off when they were disturbed.

 

From the details I have obtained regarding these incidents, there isn’t really anything I can add to the advice I gave in last month’s newsletter with regards to burglary.

 

If you are going away on holiday, or your property will be empty for a while, I would recommend you also refer to the advice I included in the July 2021 newsletter – just as a reminder.  (Old copies are kept at the library if you no longer have your copy).

 

I am aware that the Burglary Team are continuing to investigate these crimes. 

 

If you do see anyone suspicious, (such as paying particular attention to a property – especially if you know it is temporarily empty), during the day or night, please ring the Police immediately on 101.

 

CRIMES* REPORTED 13.08.21 – 15.9.21                  *Acquisitive Crime + Damage

(Excludes crimes of a domestic nature, neighbour / employment disputes, non-payment of goods, e.g. shop thefts)

Date

Time of Day

Crime

Location

Comments

3.9.21

0335 hrs

Burglary

Bretton Road

Offender(s) entered property by smashing a window and lifting the handle up.  Occupant was woken by a noise and disturbed an offender on an upstairs landing.  Offender escaped via a side door. Items stolen

3 - 4.9.21

Overnight

Criminal Damage

Blidworth Waye

Offender damaged a vehicle which had broken down and had been left securely in a lay-by overnight

2 - 5.9.21

Not Known

Burglary

Bretton Road

Offender(s) entered property by smashing a hole and breaking the lock on a rear window to open it, then climbing in. Made an untidy search and stole items. 

Exit as entry

 

HALLOWEEN – 31ST OCTOBER!

As usual, we are providing ‘No Trick or Treat’ posters which residents can display in their window if they do not wish people to call on Halloween. A supply will be available in the library from Friday 22nd Oct - a big thank you to the library staff for assisting with the distribution again. 

 

TEXT AND EMAIL SCAMS

It is sad to have to say this, but please be alert every time you open your emails and text messages.  Think A, B, C and D.

A – Accept nothing

B – Believe no-one

C – Confirm everything and

D – DON’T click on links in texts or emails to log on, or ‘resolve issues’.

 

If you’re concerned about an account ALWAYS log in via a browser or app.  That way you’ll never be redirected to a fake, copycat site.

 

Current email / text scams include:

> Fake emails purporting to be from PayPal.  The emails state that the recipient’s PayPal account has been “temporarily restricted”.  The links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking phishing websites that are designed to steal PayPal login details, as well as personal and financial information.

>  Many scam ‘missed parcels’ emails and texts are still doing the rounds.  (I had one of these texts this month!). They claim to be from Royal Mail, DPD, Hermes, etc. and include a link to a phishing website.

>  Investment scams, including cryptocurrency scams – watch out for fake celebrity endorsements and phoney testimonials.  Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!  ALWAYS check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website and do your own research before committing to an investment.

>  There are at least 2 fake NHS texts circulating:

a) PCR test text – scammers are sending out a text message that appears to be from the NHS, telling you to order a PCR covid testing kit.  The texts contain a link which leads to a fake website.  Whilst the NHS does contact people by text, it would only ask you to order a test via the official GOV.UK site (https://www.gov.uk/get-coronovirus-test).

b) Covid Pass is ready text.  These texts also contain a link which leads to a fake website.

 

Useful to Know

·       Whilst it is possible for criminals to fake official phone numbers (to make it look like it comes from a particular organisation) they cannot fake official website addresses.  If you receive a phone call, text message or email, please type the official address directly into your browser or, if appropriate, login via an app.

·       Your bank, or any other official organisation, will not ask you to share personal information over email or text.  If you need to check it’s a genuine message, call them directly.

·       Spotted a suspicious email?  Forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at report@phishing.gov.uk.

·       Forward scam texts (free) to 7726.

 
   

 

 

According to ‘Take Five to Slop Fraud’ (the anti-fraud campaign run by UK Finance),

1 in 5 people feel uncomfortable saying ‘No’ to a stranger via email or text.

Always challenge unexpected requests for your personal information – if you think it is a scam – be direct and say NO.

 
   

 

 

 

 


                                  

 

 

 

 

 

Sue Harris

 

Please report all crimes and any suspicious activity to the Police on 101 (if you have reason to believe that a crime is in progress dial 999).

 

For further advice please visit our website: www.ravensheadneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk

To contact RNW email us at rnwinfo@yahoo.co.uk or leave a message for us on 07583 296 466