VEHICLE NUMBER PLATES
There is a spate currently of thefts of number plates from cars and vans.
Thieves usually steal such plates to disguise similar vehicles they intend to use in other crime such as theft of fuel from filling stations by driving off without paying, theft from other vehicles and burglary.
Number plates are usually screwed to the vehicle. It is possible to buy "clutch head" screws which can be tightened with a normal screwdriver but cannot be loosened. A thief would have to break the plate to take it from a vehicle which would make it useless.
If you get such screws you should ensure that you get the correct size so that the screw head does not stand proud or the sharp end of the screw does not damage components such as the radiator. The screws should be made of corrosion resistant metals.
STILL A PROBLEM -: CAR KEY BURGLARY
There have been a growing number of incidents in parts of Rushcliffe, where motorists have had their car keys stolen during the course of a house burglary, in order to steal cars parked in the driveway.
In response to this, South Notts Police have now issued the following advice: -
• If you have a garage, please park your car in it. Many people with garages use them for storage. Clear them out and use them for the purpose for which they were built. This will keep your cars out of the sight of preying eyes.
• DO NOT leave car keys in an obvious place, make it as hard as possible for the thief. At night time take your car keys to bed with you.
• Consider fitting an electric garage door. This is an added incentive to use the garage. This wil be useful for those people who do not appear to have the time to get out of their cars, and unlocking the garage, especially in bad weather.
• If you have to park your car in the driveway, consider fitting substantial gates or security posts.
• It is a fact that new cars have very sophisticated locks, immobilisers and other security devices and the only way to start the vehicle is to have the key.
• Thieves are selecting cars they want to steal from outside houses. They will look for any opportunity to steal keys that are left hanging up in the kitchen or hallway or left on the table; and will actually target them. It is therefore vital that householders hide their keys from public view.
• Householders also need to make sure that they take other simple crime prevention measures to ensure that they don’t become victims of sneak-in thieves or burglary, such as remembering not to leave doors and windows unlocked.
For further advice, please e mail : -southnottscrm@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk or phone 0300 300 99 99 ext 850 4174
SUPERMARKET SCAM
A scam designed to get personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims and gain access to credit card details has recently been started using a website designed to appear similar to the Morrisons website and even including links to the official website. The bogus website www.morrisons-offers.co.uk went live on 29 September and has been taken off the internet already. It purported to offer 15% discount on the next three purchases from Morrisons and asked potential customers to give their credit card details.
Please check any emails you have received since 29 September. If one appears to have come from Morrisons and mentions the bogus website listed above DO NOT have anything to do with it.
SILENT PHONE CALLS
With effect from 25 September 2010 the maximum fines available to punish companies which persistently make calls which are silent or abandoned and which are unnerving for the recipient have increased 40-fold.
To read more about this change and to find information which can help you to reduce the number of unwanted calls, please see
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191045
INSURANCE CLAIMS
A victim of burglary whose household contents insurance claim after the offence had been disallowed on the grounds that there was no proof that force had been used to gain entry.
She is therefore some £2,500 out of pocket.
I recall a theft of a car where a bamboo garden cane with a hook attached to its end was used to "fish" a set of keys through the letterbox - again, the insurer disallowed the claim at even greater cost to the household involved.
Another insurer will not pay out on claims for lost or stolen jewellery unless it was being worn at the time or was in a secure hotel safe.
We would always advise people to be insured but please ensure that you are fully familiar with any exclusion clauses. This is particularly important when choosing insurance online. It may not be that the cheapest policy will serve you best. Some companies will not cover customers under household contents policies if a burglar gains entry by deception (e.g. as a bogus official). The average value of items and money stolen in such "distraction" burglaries is £1,230 - the victims of such offences are often those least likely to be able to afford such a loss.
If you are refused compensation by your insurer it may be worthwhile to challenge this decision. If the insurer still refuses and you believe that the grounds for exclusion were not made clear in your policy documents you should go to the Financial Ombudsman Service - you may get some support in making your case through Victim Support - see the Useful Links section on your Neighbourhood Alert website.
RUSHCLIFFE NEIGHBOURHOOD ALERT
This scheme has now run for three months and membership now stands at over 1200 members. If you wish to receive crime risk information please contact www.rushcliffecommunity.co.uk
Below is some typical information available……….
BURGLAR ALARMS
We have received a report that a company called "European Environmental Controls" (EEC) has contacted a resident of the Chilwell area by telephone to try to make an appointment for a salesperson to visit. The caller represented EEC as "working with the Police".
This is untrue. We would strongly recommend that you do not enter into any business relationship with a company which starts with this type of approach.
Please see the article on the website "Fit an alarm to reduce burglary" for comprehensive guidance on how to and how not to procure an alarm system.
If you receive such calls and are suspicious but think they may be genuine, terminate the call and speak with BT directly to check whether what you have been told is correct, before handing over any funds or personal information.
AND ANOTHER ONE…
Nottinghamshire Police have had several calls recently about a firm called St Johns Security which is contacting residents by telephone (number withheld) offering to install a monitored burglar alarm free of charge.
We should emphasise that this company is in no way connected to the St John Ambulance charity.
There are several similar companies which specialise in supplying unnecessary monitored alarm systems and charging exorbitantly for this service. For domestic settings we would not normally advise a monitored alarm unless it has been specifically required by your insurer or there are special circumstances such as highly valuable fine art on the premises.
Such companies make their money by tying people in to lengthy contracts at high cost and will often expect to be paid half up front.
We are working on a comprehensive information article which should appear soon on this site to give advice about burglar alarm systems. In the mean time we would recommend that you do not purchase any security measure from uninvited callers - either by telephone or door to door.
Reputable companies will usually be members of NSI - the National Security Inspectorate ( http://www.nsi.org.uk) or SSAIB the Security Systems Alarms Inspection Board (http://www.ssaib.co.uk) and we would recommend that you get three quotes from such companies before appointing a contractor to supply, fit and maintain your alarm system.
SEEMS THEY ARE AL AT IT….
Please be aware that we have been informed that a company called SAS Fire and Security Systems Ltd of Unit 1, Windsor House, Battersea Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, SK4 3EA are cold calling offering a ‘free’ Intruder Alarm or other ‘free’ security products. It would appear that payment for the so called ‘free’ products including fitting etc far exceeds the average cost for an Intruder Alarm.
We are aware of the amount of information relating to this issue on the Internet; however this information is based on a recent call which would indicate that the company have recommenced their cold calling activities in this area once more.
They are also purporting to be a company called Crime Research UK and are acting on behalf of SAS Fire and Security Systems Ltd offering free alarms based on security surveys that they have done visually in your locality.
Whilst this company are not carrying out an illegal activity, we would advise you that if you are interested in purchasing an intruder alarm or other security products, you obtain at least three quotations from reputable companies. All Police Forces throughout the Country recommend Intruder Alarm systems supplied and fitted by companies who are members of NACOSS or SSAIB. Details of these can be found in the local Yellow Pages. Other security products should be either to British Standards or approved by companies such as Sold Secure, Secured by Design, Thatcham etc.
Please contact your local Crime Reduction Manager or Business Crime Advisor for further advice on the Nottinghamshire Police Non Emergency number 0300 300 99 99.
POLICE URGE SECURITY CHECKS FOR EMPTY HOMES
Landlords and property developers in Nottingham and the south of the county are being urged to check just how secure their unoccupied properties are from burglars.
The advice comes from Nottinghamshire Police following a six-month period in which 78 break-ins at empty and new-build properties were recorded in the city and the districts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.
Copper piping, radiators and boilers and even household appliances such as fridges and washing machines were among the items stolen.
Peter Ainley, South Nottinghamshire crime reduction manager. said: “Historically, such offences have always occurred, but with an increasing world shortage of metals the number of offences is increasing.
“Often, the damage the thieves cause while forcing entry to properties exceeds the value of the items they steal. When this figure is added to the replacement value of the items stolen it can be quite significant.”
The advice for developers and property agents is to risk assess properties, hire security guards for larger sites and avoid installing ‘white goods’ until a house is about to be occupied.
Other recommendations are to install alarms and include the cost of the alarm in the sale package, and to use invisible forensic marking products, such as SmartWater and Selectamark, to identify items of value if they are stolen.
Signs warning that security measures have been taken can also act as a deterrent.
Peter Ainley added: “Security advice is freely available to both businesses and the public from Nottinghamshire Police by calling our non-emergency number 0300 300 99 99 and asking to speak to your local Crime Reduction Manager.”
Anyone who believes a burglary at a new-build or unoccupied property is in progress should telephone 999.
If they suspect a break-in has occurred they should telephone the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
CHARITY BAGS
Over the past couple of weeks information has been received that a number of charity collection bags have been delivered to homes across the borough areas.
Household collections are a popular way for charities to collect donations, but beware some collections are bogus. Unfortunately some may try to exploit your generosity for their own gain, so please always take the time to read the small print. Know where your donation is going as it may not be where you think.
If you have any doubts about the organisation asking for donations, you can check by ringing the Charity Commission helpline on 0845 300 0218 or visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk or just simply donate your unwanted clothing to a charity you know and recognise.
You can also call Consumer Direct for further advice on 08454 040506 or visit the watch out section on their website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
KEEP TEENS SAFE ON FACEBOOK
Nottinghamshire Police has been asked to help spread the word about an excellent new online facility designed to safeguard teenage Facebook users.
The application, or app, has been created by CEOP - the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre - the UK's national police centre for protecting children.
ClickCEOP is simple to download and it’s free. Once installed it sits on the Facebook user’s profile. When clicked it provides immediate access to the very latest on internet safety, explaining how to tackle viruses, spot grooming and block hackers.
There’s also an option to report any approaches or activity that might be inappropriate.
The facility also helps reassure parents so any of you with teenage children or relatives who operate one of the 25 million active UK accounts on Facebook should also encourage them to use ClickCEOP.
Adding the app’ is simple!
1 Go to www.facebook.com/clickceop
2 Click the CLICK CEOP button on the left menu of the page
3 Follow the on-screen instructions.
Once it has been installed it puts young people in control. They will always have help and advice available at the click of a mouse and should be encouraged to pass on the advice to their friends.
PHONE SCAM
Scammers posing as representatives of phone service providers, such as BT, are calling up UK subscribers in an attempt to trick prospective marks into handing over credit card or bank details under threat of disconnection. This scam first seen in 2009 seems to be making a come back in the past few months.
Plausibility is added to the scam by a trick designed to fool people into thinking that their line has been temporarily cut off, ostensibly under the control of the person calling them.
This happens after fraudsters are challenged to establish their identity as a representative of a telecoms carrier. In response, con men tell their prospective victims to hang up a phone and attempt to try phoning someone, claiming the line will be disconnected to prevent this. This supposedly establishes that conmen are calling on official business.
In reality, the fraudster stays on the line with the mute button on. Because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it, a prospective mark is left unable to make a phone call, or even obtain a dial tone.
The fraudster is able to hear the failed attempts to make a call. When these stop he is able to cut off the first call and immediately call back. To those unaware of the telephone system, particularly elderly or vulnerable people, this might easily be taken as establishing that someone is representing a service provider.
The next step comes with an attempt to trick victims into handing over debit or credit card details needed to settle a supposed debt.
BT reps confirmed that they were aware of the scam, which has been occurring at a "fairly low level" across the country for the last two months or so. The attempted fraud targets customers of a range of telecoms providers, not just BT.
Customers with any doubts about who they might be speaking to about their account are advised to contact BT or their phone service provider directly, using the phone number supplied on their bill.
BT security is liaising with a number of local police forces over the scam. In a copy of a statement already circulated to police, BT explained:
Fraudsters, pretending to be from various phone companies, have been calling people on the pretence that there is an outstanding bill and threatening to disconnect their line immediately if they do not pay the bill straight away.
The fraudsters have been pretending to "cut off" the customer. Worried about having their line cut off, some people have been persuaded into giving the fraudsters their bank account details.
The police are investigating and BT Security is looking into incidents where the fraudsters have claimed to be from BT.
Whilst BT does have debt handling procedures which may involve calling customers, BT never carries out disconnections during the call by way of proof.
We advise customers never to give out any banking details over the phone unless they are absolutely certain who they are dealing with.
If there is any doubt at all, a BT employee will be able to give the customer their employee ID number and an 0800 number to call, where the customer can check that they are who they say they are. The customer can also check their identity by calling 0800 800 150.
ANIMAL FOSTER CARE.
Animal foster carers are wanted to help care for the pets of families who have had to go into refuge because of domestic violence and where they are unable to take their pets along.
Often the fear of having to leave a pet behind prevents the victim (and children) from fleeing the home.
The scheme is to enable women and children to escape domestic violence by providing safe foster homes for their pets. Many women and children will not leave to go in refuge as it means leaving their animal behind and often their partner has threatened to harm or kill their pet.
The scheme is desperate for fosterers for all animals. All food costs and vets’ bills will be met by the project.
If you can offer a temporary home to an animal please call them on 07971 337264 or email refs4pets@yahoo.co.uk.
LOCK BUMPING
Lock bumping is a technique whereby certain locks can be opened with a specially prepared "bump" key and a suitable hitting tool. Only certain locks can be bumped. Most locks that rely only on a pin tumbler mechanism can be bumped. Many cylinders in rim locks and uPVC doors have pin tumblers. Fortunately it is quite easy to protect yourself from bumping.
This article is quite technical and might not interest all Neighbourhood Alert members. However, though the offence of 'bumping' is thankfully rare, we have a duty to alert members to the (small) risk and to give you the opportunity to upgrade your lock(s) should you wish.
We have now put a comprehensive article about lock bumping on the site. Look in the left hand menu between "Fit an Alarm" and "Useful links".
We hope you find this interesting and would welcome suggestions for other similar articles.
HOLIDAY SCAM
We have been notified that a London-based holiday company is contacting people in the Nottingham area by telephone trying to obtain payment for holidays which the victims have not requested. They send out vouchers for holidays and attempt to get personal details so as to obtain payment through the victim's bank account without authority.
As always with scams if it seems too good to be true it very probably is.
BOGUS EMAILS
If you receive E Mail that you think could be a scam please check the following web site for information.
http://www.safefromscams.co.uk/
THE SILENT KILLER
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. It can infiltrate your home through the most apparently harmless devices, like your boiler or cooker. It is impossible to see or smell.
BEWARE OF COWBOYS
CORGI estimate there could be as many as 20,000 people working illegally on gas in the UK. With carbon monoxide claiming needless lives you must never use an illegal gas worker, they could put you and your family in danger. Illegal work is gas work carried out for gain by a person not working on behalf of a CORGI registered business. Such work is far more likely to be unsafe and, in such cases, the illegal gas worker far less likely to offer support to the customer in the event of an incident.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING A COWBOY?
A cowboy may seem like a cheap option however they will probably cost you much, much more in the long term:
1. A cowboy is not inspected by CORGI
2. A cowboy will not keep up to date with training
3. A cowboy may not use the correct equipment
4. A cowboy may not hold the correct qualifications to do the type of work you need
5. A cowboy may leave you with unsafe appliances
6. A cowboy will not provide a Declaration of Safety Certificate or Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
for any installation or replacement of a gas appliance in your home. As a home owner you will find it beneficial to include this in your Home Information Pack.
FARMS AND EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENTS
Please ensure that any equipment stored in barns, work sheds etc. is permanently identifiably marked so that it can be traced back to the owner if recovered. Such marking reduces the value of the item to the thief, as it is identifiable.
Consideration should be given to stamping with dies and a hammer, engraving, Smartwater or a corrosive paint that burns into the metal. Data Tag micro chipping can be used on tack, particularly saddles.
Security measurers such as Alarms, CCTV and Security Lighting should be checked for functionality and repaired if broken. Try to ensure that vehicle access gates are securely locked at night to prevent easy access by vehicles.
Should you witness anything untoward happening on your property please ring the Police immediately using the 999 systems. Try to obtain any details of vehicles used and the occupants.
RESIDENTS REMINDED TO BE SHED SAVVY THIS WINTER.
Items ranging from bikes, power tools, camping equipment and a drive on lawnmower have been stolen from seven sheds over the last two weeks in Arnold, Stanton on the Wolds, Bingham, Ruddington and West Bridgford.
Police crime reduction manager Robert Vaughan Newton says: "The best way for people to protect their property and deter thieves is to store expensive property inside their home or garage.
"Make sure you mark your bike with your post code or house number and use a bike lock. Marking it will help identify it as your property if it's stolen. If using a shed, make sure it is reinforced with stronger material, better locks and use an alarm. Shed alarms are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased from most DIY stores."
BAG THEFT WARNING ISSUED
People out and about in south Nottinghamshire are being reminded to look after their bags. The warning comes after five were stolen in a week from people shopping or socializing.
Two handbags were stolen during a party in Colwick on three more were stolen from people at supermarkets in Arnold. These bags were stolen from shopping trolleys, which were either left unattended or whilst the victim was distracted by doing the shopping.
Police crime reduction manager Robert Vaughan Newton says: "Never leave your bag unattended - as it will only take a thief a few seconds to steal it.
When at a pub or party don't put your bag on the floor to dance round or leave it on a table or on the back of a chair. Make sure you have it at all times or give it to someone you trust to hold. When shopping make sure you remain vigilant to your surroundings and never leave a bag in an unattended
VISA & MASTERCARD TELEPHONE CREDIT CARD SCAM - Warning from Trading Standards (Shortened version – Dec 2009)
The callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA and Mastercard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London?"
Then we say a credit needs to go to your account and will demonstrate that they know your card provider’s 0800 phone no. and will EVENTUALLY GET ROUND
TO ASKING FOR THE THREE DIGIT SECURITY NUMBER ON THE BACK OF THE CARD – REAL CARD PROVIDERS NECER ASK FOR THIS AND IT SHOULD NOT BE DISCLOSED TO A CALLER OF WHOM YOUR ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTION OF – and one where you instigated the call.
POSTAL SCAM
It has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number). DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will be billed £15 for the phone call.
If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the Premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk
MOBILITY SCOOTERS Recently a resident in the area who is a mobility scooter user was contacted by a company, calling themselves British Mobility Services purporting to be the maintenance company for her mobility scooter. They supposedly worked on it for half an hour, charging her £40 for the work. After they had left, she checked her records and found it was not her usual company, she was told that no other company are authorised to operate on their behalf. Subsequent attempts to contact British Mobility Services failed, and they are completely untraceable.
This raises issues of not only the safety of the equipment, but the security of the infirm, allowing these people into their homes.
Do not allow anyone into your home, unless you are satisfied that they are genuine. We can only reiterate that all genuine employees of organisations carry identification cards. They will not mind if you make them wait outside while you check their identity. Close the door and 'phone the organisation to verify, do not use the number the caller gives. Get it from the directory or from previous correspondence.