July 2010
Two issues - 1) Supermarket car park distraction theft scam, and, 2) Charity clothes collection bags scam:
1) Supermarket car park distraction theft scam

Adding to the messages I recently circulated regarding the car park distractions where handbags were stolen at supermarkets, we have now had similar reports from a supermarket in Malvern, so these incidents are spreading across the area. Please be mindful of this and remind your members. As a recap, what normally happens is that shoppers, usually ladies, are being approached by a male whilst packing their shopping into their car. The male asks for directions to somewhere distant (e.g. Stoke-on-Trent in one of the Worcester incidents) and gets the victim to look at a map with him. Whilst this is occurring, presumably an accomplice enters the car and removes the victim's handbag. It is worth noting that often these handbags are not left on view by the victim, handbags have been taken from the car boot and when "hidden" behind the seat, so despite the victims' efforts at securing the handbags to a certain extent, the handbags are still being taken.

2) Charity clothes collection bags scam

I recently circulated a message to warn about a scam involving false Acorns charity clothes collection bags. A Malvern Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator has contacted me today concerned about another collection bag left in the last 24 hours (not Acorns) and the possibility it is again a scam. This has yet to be confirmed, but in the meantime, please note the following advice from Trading Standards: Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Trading Standards team are advising residents to follow some simple steps before giving to charity collections. The vast majority of charity bags arrive through letter-boxes from legitimate charities, however Trading Standards officers say they receive approximately a report a week from residents in Worcestershire who claim to have been conned by bogus collections. Officers say by following simple advice, those bogus collectors, which cost genuine charities millions each year across the country, can be stopped.
Advice includes:
Be aware – treat with caution
Anonymous 'bogus' collectors may try to exploit generosity for their own gain. They may also steal donations left for collection for genuine charities. These bogus collections cost charities at least £2million a year nationwide.
Be careful – don't be misled
Don't be taken in. Read the small print and know where your donation is going. Check contact details as they may be false. Are they clear? Is the charity specified? As a rule of thumb, if there is no legitimate telephone number, the people who put the leaflet through the door don't want you to call.
Check before you give
If you have any doubts about the leaflets asking for donations, check them out.

•Ring the Charity Commission helpline – 0845 300 0218 – or visit their online register of charities – http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/ – to see whether the name or number given belongs to a legitimate registered charity.
•Call Consumer Direct for further advice – 08454 04 05 06 – or visit the 'Watch Out!' section of their website – http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/.
Don't stop giving to charities and those in need

Donating clothing and other goods to genuine charities helps to raise vital funds. Taking care when making donations means you can be sure your help goes to those who really need it.

July 2010 have recently circulated two messages raising awareness about various scams that are currently doing the rounds.
I don't wish to constantly bother you on this topic, but the following incident was reported in the last few days in South Worcestershire so I have decided to make you aware: In this instance, a gent has received around 5 calls in 5 days, all from the same person, stating that he has won £23,000 on the Canadian lottery (even though he hasn't entered).
They have asked numerous questions including when he is likely to be at home for the courier to deliver.

The gent has then had a further call from someone claiming to be from Customs/Excise, advising that they need to talk him through how his money needs to be claimed and that it is currently in Ottawa.

Luckily in this instance, one of our Community Support Officers (CSO Andrea Leslie) spoke to the male and convinced him that it was a scam before he started sending money to pay for the "processing fees", "customs charges" etc..

Please be mindful of this kind of scam and please be particularly aware of elderly/vulnerable neighbours.

Update

Police Urge Drivers To Avoid New £60 Fines

Motorists have been urged by South Worcestershire police not to fall foul of increased fixed penalties for seat-belt offences.

From 30th June fines doubled - from £30 to £60 - for all seat-belt offences, whether involving the driver, adult passengers and/or children.

UPDATE

Many of you will be aware that in a large proportion of Bogus Caller / Distraction Burglary type offences,
the offenders often claim to be from "the Water Board". Firstly, there are no longer any "Water Boards" and haven't been any since 1989
(so anyone using the phrase "Water Board" should be viewed with suspicion).

The purpose of this message is to make you aware of a telephone number that can be used in the area covered by
Severn Trent - 0800 783 4444 - this number can be used by the public to check the identity of any "water company" doorstep caller.
Please share this with your members, especially the more elderly or vulnerable ones who often get
targeted by these people, and encourage them to use this service if called by such a person.

 

Aldington Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are - Gill Hop gardens and Mill Lane 831238 Mike and Margaret Village Street - west including Chestnut close 834129 Keith and Judy Main Street south side 830153 Steve and Jane Main Street north side 831148 This website is edited by Robin who may be contacted by email. Aldington Neigbourhood Watch have a property marking kit which residents can borrow. There are ultra violet pens or more permanent methods. Marking ensures that if items are recovered by the police they can be identified and returned.Please contact your co-ordinator if you would like advice or help.

Useful links and phone numbers

• Phone 999 in the event of an emergency or a serious crime in progress
• Phone 0300 333 3000 or 08457 444888 to report a crime or give information
• Phone 0800 555111 to give information anonymously (crimestoppers line)

National Neighbourhood Watch Association

Identity Theft - Home Office website

National Mobile Phone Register - add your details to protect your mobile phone

Ashton under Hill Neighbourhood Watch - a source of inspiration for our webpage