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Messages
for 2013
Index - click on a date
Jan 4 Steer Clear of Cycle Theft
Jan 18 Wheelie Bins Fires & Shed Security Advice
Jan 31 Scams
Mar 1 Scam Calls Alert
May 24 Holiday Security Checklist
June 7 Police Impersonation - Card Fraud
July 5 Hot Weather Burglaries
July 10 Theft from occupied vehicles
July 19 Yellow Pages Delivery/Vehicle Crime Alert/Distraction Burglary
July 25 Off-Road Bike Crush
July 30 Rogue Traders Operating in your area
Operation Whistler Arrests - Blowing Time on Crime
Aug 1 Operation Whistler - More Arrests!
Distraction Burglary
Sep 17 Operation Whistler Update
Message Received: 17 September 2013, 17:26
Operation Whistler Update
The Operation Whistler Team has yet again had a great week with the key emphasis of ‘blowing time on crime’. Thanks to all the intelligence coming through from the public and from work by our partners, we have had numerous arrests covering all offences and even more vehicles taken off the streets that were either uninsured or used in committing crime. The community impact side of Operation Whistler has been significant with local communities now feeling safer and more involved with the local police. Rest assured Operation Whistler will continue in this vein all geared to making Stockport a great and safe place to live and work.
Enjoy the nice weather this weekend. Don't let the burglars ruin it! Remember: Alarms! Locks! Lights!
Please also remember that if you see anything suspicious or wish to report anything please contact us on 101 or via Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555 111 (or 999 if an emergency).
Message Received: 1 August 2013, 16:34
Operation Whistler - More Arrests!
Operation Whistler continues to 'Blow Time on Crime' since it was launched this Monday to disrupt Stockport Criminals involved in crime.
We are again pleased to inform you, officers on patrol with Operation Whistler made more arrests in your area.
A wanted burglar was arested in Reddish by officers patrolling one of our target areas.
A known shoplifter was arrested as a result of information received from the public.
Another known Burglar stopped by Operaton Whistler staff in possession of a suspected stolen pedal cycle and property recovered.
6 males were arrested in Hazel Grove for cannabis cultivation. Approximately 500 plants were seized with an estimated street value of £390,000. The warrant was executed as a result of information received from the public.
Residents can help bring criminals to justice by calling crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or dial 101 if you see anything suspicious in your area.
For more information on Operation Whistler please visit: http://www.saferstockport.org.uk/campaigns/saferinstockport2013/operationwhistler/
Message Received: 1 August 2013, 16:34
Distraction Burglary
When did it happen: 27/07/2013
Where: Davenport
General Information: POLICE FRAUD UNIT - offender buzzes the intercom and the victim’s friend answers it. Offender states they are from the police fraud unit and is allowed into the complex. Offender states that he is looking for fake bank notes and asks victim to get any cash she had. She produces £150. Offender states he will take the cash to his colleague who is outside with a scanner, victim says she would rather he brought the scanner into her flat. Offender grabs the cash and runs off. Victim hears a vehicle leaving but doesn’t see it.
Offender/Vehicle Description: white male, 25/30 years old, dark short hair, stubble, Scottish accent, wearing a dark t-shirt under a navy sleeveless top, dark jeans carrying a clipboard with a piece of paper with "students and tutors" written on it, and a laminated Identity card with a photo on it and the words, " fraud protection" in green and white.
Message Received: 30 July 2013, 16:34
Rogue Traders Operating in your area
Driveways, alarms, roofing, gardening, rubbish removal?
Every year rogue traders fleece the public of more than £1 billion!
Follow our top tips to make sure you don't get caught out.
Roguetraders_leaflet.pdf
If you are concerned about a trader or work that has been done call Consumer Direct on 08454040506.
Message Received: 30 July 2013, 16:34
Operation Whistler Arrests - Blowing Time on Crime
You will be aware there have been a number of burglaries in your area over recent weeks. Operation Whistler was launched this Monday to disrupt Stockport Criminals involved in crime.
For pictures from the launch please click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmpolice1/sets/72157634859626660/
We are pleased to inform you, officers on patrol with Operation Whistler made a number of arrests in your area overnight, before they had the opportunity to commit crime.
Burglary suspect - offence location Hazel Grove
Robbery suspect - offence location Reddish
Burglary suspect - offence location Romiley
Residents can help bring criminals to justice by calling crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or dial 101 if you see anything suspicious in your area.
Message Received: 25 July 2013, 09:24
Off-Road Bike Crush
In order to reduce anti-social behaviour, the Safer Stockport Partnership are holding an Off-Road Bike Crush event on Friday 2nd August, from 1pm until 3pm in Tesco Car Park, Tiviot Way, Portwood, SK1 2BT. Click here for more information.
Message Received: 19 July 2013, 16:21
Yellow Pages Delivery
Vehicle Crime Alert
Distraction Burglary
Yellow Pages Delivery
Throughout August an authorised company called DEYA will be delivering the latest edition of the Yellow Pages to addresses very shortly across Stockport. The representatives who are delivering the Yellow Pages are all trained and will have the correct and appropriate identification if they are ever challenged.
Ideally, the directories are put through the letterbox or handed over the each householder, but when it’s not possible they will leave it in a dry secure place out of site from passersby or with a neighbour, and with a card through the door saying where or with whom it has been left. Alternatively, a card may be left with a number to call to arrange delivery.
Please be extra vigilant at this time.
Car Crime Spike
We have seen an increase in incidents of vehicle crime recently. These include theft of number plates, items being stolen from insecure vehicles and car windows being smashed in order to steal valuables left on display.
Due to some insecure vehicles being targeted, officers are urging motorists not to make things easy for thieves, and are reminding them that insurance companies may not pay out if vehicles are left unlocked or with windows open. Valuables should also be removed from cars when leaving them unattended.
The Police are responding to the recent increase in car crime by increasing patrols in the affected areas at relevant times, and our traffic officers will also be using automatic number plate recognition equipment to target offenders.
To avoid becoming a victim of car crime, motorists should park in secure or well-lit areas wherever possible. They should also close all windows, set any security devices and remove all valuables, especially sat-navs and their mounting cradles. All doors should be locked and checked manually, as automatic locking devices can sometimes suffer from interference.
If you must leave your vehicle unattended with valuables inside, make sure you lock them in the boot out of sight.
Police are also urging motorists to register valuables at www.immobilise.com and to security mark them with their postcode and house number or vehicle registration number.
For non-emergency calls or to report a crime call police on 101, or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk/stockport. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.
Distraction Burglary Incident
General Information: Drink of water - Unknown offender knocks on victims door asks for glass of water, victim gives him a drink, he then has a second glass of water and asks to use the telephone, he pretends to make a call and victim sees him messing with her handbag and asks him to leave; she then realises her purse is missing
Offender/Vehicle Description: White male late 20's, 5'10", stocky build, short fair hair, round face, wearing a white zipped hooded jacket and white tracksuits bottoms.
When answering the door, always use a door chain, check who is there by looking through a window or door viewer and always ask for identification – IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT!
Don’t do business or accept services from a cold caller on the telephone or at the door
Lock all doors and windows securely
Message Received: 10 July 2013, 08:20
Theft from occupied vehicles
There have been a couple of recent cases where an occupied car has been stationary, another car driven alongside, the car door opened, goods stolen and the offending vehicle driven away.
Be extra vigilant about having valuables visible in your car whilst driving.
Lock car doors and be careful about open windows.
Message Received: 5 July 2013, 10:48
Hot Weather Burglaries
In around 25 percent of burglaries that take place in the spring and summer months, entry is gained through insecure windows and doors, especially at the rear of the property. Ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked when you are out. Don’t leave small windows open believing them to be safe.
Message Received: 7 June 2013, 13:46
Police Impersonation - Card Fraud
Police are urging residents to be wary of scam where offenders claimed to be police officers.
Just before 11.10am on Saturday 1 June 2013, police received a call from an elderly couple from the Cheadle Hulme area of Stockport to report a fraud.
They had received a phone call from a man around noon on Friday 31st May saying that he was a detective from the Metropolitan Police claiming their bank card had been used in fraudulent transactions. The ‘detective’ then told the victims they would transfer them through to their bank.
Another man’s voice came on the phone and believing they had been transferred, the victims gave him their card PIN numbers after being asked to type the PIN numbers into the telephone keypad.
Half an hour later a taxi was sent to the address in Cheadle Hulme and the driver unwittingly collected the victim’s bank cards before driving off.
The same day the victim's realised a large amount of money had been taken out of their accounts. Police Sergeant Adam Shuttleworth from Stockport West INPT said: “We want to make the public aware of this scam and ask people to let their friends, relatives and neighbours know. Police would never send a taxi to your home address to collect personal documents including credit cards or ask for your PIN numbers.
“We believe there was a similar attempt to defraud an elderly woman in the Ashton-under-Lyne area back in April. Fortunately, the taxi driver who had been called grew suspicious and contacted police.
“If you are called by someone claiming to be a police officer and you are concerned or suspicious, take their details including name and collar number and call police on 101 to verify their details.
“If you believe your credit card has been cloned or stolen, call your bank straight away.”
Message Received: 24 May 2013, 16:26
Holiday Security Checklist
In around 25 percent of burglaries that take place in the spring and summer months, entry is gained through insecure windows and doors, especially at the rear of the property.
• Ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked when you are out. Don’t leave small windows open believing them to be safe.
• If you want to leave windows open while you sleep, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened, or make sure they are not large enough to allow access to a burglar.
• When out in your garden ensure that windows and doors to the front of the house are secure. It only takes a second for someone to get into your home and take things without you noticing.
• Do not leave valuables on display in front of windows or in reach of open windows or doors.
• Ensure that all barbecue and garden equipment and tools are securely locked up in a shed and out of sight. Tools can be used by the potential offender to break in to your home.
• Consider fitting outside security lighting or a visible alarm to help deter burglars. Even using pea shingle or gravel on a driveway and spiky plants in garden beds can help.
• Don’t leave any keys near entry points where they can be ‘fished’ or ‘hooked’ out through the window, letter box or cat flap.
• Ensure any internal handle operated locks on UPVC doors are fully secured with a key.
For additional advice please see attached Holiday Security Checklist:
Holiday_Security_Checklist_2013
Message Received: 1 Mar 2013, 13:54
Scam Calls Alert
Please be aware that Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre, have issued a warning about scam calls claiming to be from a Local Authority Education Welfare department. The caller claims a child has been absent from school and a fine is due. Action Fraud have published details. It is very useful site that has up to date information on the latest suspected frauds doing the rounds and it is well worth a visit every so often. More details are available at: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/home
We also had an incident in Romliey with someone claiming to be from 'Care Call' telephoned asking for bank details of the client. Please note this is not an approach that Care Call would use. They use written communications when dealing with finances. Please remind people of the importance of not disclosing their bank details over the telephone.
Message Received: 31 Jan 2013, 13:32
Council Tax Scam Warning in Stockport
Stockport Council today issued a new warning to residents to be on their guard against scam phone calls regarding Council Tax bands.
Dozens of residents throughout the borough have contacted the Council’s Trading Standards team reporting to have been phoned by companies who offered to save them thousands of pounds in Council Tax overpayments on the basis that their property is in the wrong Council Tax band.
The Council’s Trading Standards team are concerned with how these companies may be obtaining their business and are investigating into complaints of misrepresentation and fraud. A sales representative was recently arrested in the Marple area in connection with these enquiries following a complaint from a local resident.
Many residents claim that the caller misled them into believing they were acting on behalf of Stockport Council or the Valuation Office. The companies cold call residents and advise that they are most probably paying too much council tax and often also that their neighbours could be paying a lot less than them.
They will then arrange a visit from a representative for the necessary paperwork to be signed and it is only explained during the visit that there is a fee upfront, often around £170, to process the paperwork and that the company will take a percentage of the successful claim which is usually around 25%.
Councillor Kevin Hogg, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Public Realm, said: “Some of these businesses do not make it clear during the initial phone call exactly who they are and residents can be under the impression they are dealing with someone from the Valuation Office or the Council. Also, they cannot guarantee that you will move to a lower Council Tax band without knowing full details of your housing circumstances. The decision is made by the Valuation Office Agency (the VOA), not a private company.”
Stockport Council automatically refunds any over-payments and does not phone householders to ask for bank details. If you think you may have overpaid, phone the Council on 0161 217 6014 and ask for it to be checked.
If you want to check whether you’re in the right Council Tax band, contact the Valuation Office on 03000 501501 or visit their webpages.
If you wish to appeal against the band you are in, this is dealt with free of charge.
Residents who wish to report a Council Tax scam are urged to call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Book of Big Scams
Every year, the British public loses billions of pounds to scammers who bombard us with online, mail, door-to-door and telephone scams.
Scams (or frauds) are often difficult to investigate; they can be complicated and often involve many people (both victims and suspects). They can take a lot of resources to investigate and courts can find it difficult to convict suspects because of the grey area that exists between dishonesty and sharp practice. Prevention through awareness is therefore a vital strand in combating scammers.
Please follow the link below a booklet produced by Thames Valley Police. The booklet will increase your awareness of the vast array of scams that are being used and teach you some easy steps you can take to protect yourself. It should be seen as a general guide to many of the scams currently operating in the UK.
Request the booklet here
Message Received: 18 Jan 2013, 12:04
Steer Clear of Cycle Theft
The Reddish and the Heatons areas of Stockport are suffering a high number of burglaries where expensive mountain bikes are being targeted.
Take care on public biking forums not to disclose your home address where you keep your push bike.
Increase security where the bike is kept. Don’t clean your bike at the front of your property and keep bike carrying equipment out of sight.
Please see attached poster for more advice:
LINK [Ringmaster_bike_theft_poster1.pdf]
Please report any suspicious circumstances to Greater Manchester Police on
101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Wendy Warburton
PCSO 65374
J Div. East NPT
Marple & High Lane
Greater Manchester Police
0161 427 0115
Ext: 69792
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/@GMPStockEast
-------------------------------------------------------
Remember to report anything suspicious to the police and/or your Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.
Index - click on a date
Jan 4 Steer Clear of Cycle Theft
Jan 18 Wheelie Bins Fires & Shed Security Advice
Jan 31 Scams
Mar 1 Scam Calls Alert
May 24 Holiday Security Checklist
June 7 Police Impersonation - Card Fraud
July 5 Hot Weather Burglaries
July 10 Theft from occupied vehicles
July 19 Yellow Pages Delivery/Vehicle Crime Alert/Distraction Burglary
July 25 Off-Road Bike Crush
July 30 Rogue Traders Operating in your area
Operation Whistler Arrests - Blowing Time on Crime
Aug 1 Operation Whistler - More Arrests!
Distraction Burglary
Sep 17 Operation Whistler Update
Message Received: 17 September 2013, 17:26
Operation Whistler Update
The Operation Whistler Team has yet again had a great week with the key emphasis of ‘blowing time on crime’. Thanks to all the intelligence coming through from the public and from work by our partners, we have had numerous arrests covering all offences and even more vehicles taken off the streets that were either uninsured or used in committing crime. The community impact side of Operation Whistler has been significant with local communities now feeling safer and more involved with the local police. Rest assured Operation Whistler will continue in this vein all geared to making Stockport a great and safe place to live and work.
Enjoy the nice weather this weekend. Don't let the burglars ruin it! Remember: Alarms! Locks! Lights!
Please also remember that if you see anything suspicious or wish to report anything please contact us on 101 or via Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous on 0800 555 111 (or 999 if an emergency).
Message Received: 1 August 2013, 16:34
Operation Whistler - More Arrests!
Operation Whistler continues to 'Blow Time on Crime' since it was launched this Monday to disrupt Stockport Criminals involved in crime.
We are again pleased to inform you, officers on patrol with Operation Whistler made more arrests in your area.
A wanted burglar was arested in Reddish by officers patrolling one of our target areas.
A known shoplifter was arrested as a result of information received from the public.
Another known Burglar stopped by Operaton Whistler staff in possession of a suspected stolen pedal cycle and property recovered.
6 males were arrested in Hazel Grove for cannabis cultivation. Approximately 500 plants were seized with an estimated street value of £390,000. The warrant was executed as a result of information received from the public.
Residents can help bring criminals to justice by calling crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or dial 101 if you see anything suspicious in your area.
For more information on Operation Whistler please visit: http://www.saferstockport.org.uk/campaigns/saferinstockport2013/operationwhistler/
Message Received: 1 August 2013, 16:34
Distraction Burglary
When did it happen: 27/07/2013
Where: Davenport
General Information: POLICE FRAUD UNIT - offender buzzes the intercom and the victim’s friend answers it. Offender states they are from the police fraud unit and is allowed into the complex. Offender states that he is looking for fake bank notes and asks victim to get any cash she had. She produces £150. Offender states he will take the cash to his colleague who is outside with a scanner, victim says she would rather he brought the scanner into her flat. Offender grabs the cash and runs off. Victim hears a vehicle leaving but doesn’t see it.
Offender/Vehicle Description: white male, 25/30 years old, dark short hair, stubble, Scottish accent, wearing a dark t-shirt under a navy sleeveless top, dark jeans carrying a clipboard with a piece of paper with "students and tutors" written on it, and a laminated Identity card with a photo on it and the words, " fraud protection" in green and white.
Message Received: 30 July 2013, 16:34
Rogue Traders Operating in your area
Driveways, alarms, roofing, gardening, rubbish removal?
Every year rogue traders fleece the public of more than £1 billion!
Follow our top tips to make sure you don't get caught out.
Roguetraders_leaflet.pdf
If you are concerned about a trader or work that has been done call Consumer Direct on 08454040506.
Message Received: 30 July 2013, 16:34
Operation Whistler Arrests - Blowing Time on Crime
You will be aware there have been a number of burglaries in your area over recent weeks. Operation Whistler was launched this Monday to disrupt Stockport Criminals involved in crime.
For pictures from the launch please click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmpolice1/sets/72157634859626660/
We are pleased to inform you, officers on patrol with Operation Whistler made a number of arrests in your area overnight, before they had the opportunity to commit crime.
Burglary suspect - offence location Hazel Grove
Robbery suspect - offence location Reddish
Burglary suspect - offence location Romiley
Residents can help bring criminals to justice by calling crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or dial 101 if you see anything suspicious in your area.
Message Received: 25 July 2013, 09:24
Off-Road Bike Crush
In order to reduce anti-social behaviour, the Safer Stockport Partnership are holding an Off-Road Bike Crush event on Friday 2nd August, from 1pm until 3pm in Tesco Car Park, Tiviot Way, Portwood, SK1 2BT. Click here for more information.
Message Received: 19 July 2013, 16:21
Yellow Pages Delivery
Vehicle Crime Alert
Distraction Burglary
Yellow Pages Delivery
Throughout August an authorised company called DEYA will be delivering the latest edition of the Yellow Pages to addresses very shortly across Stockport. The representatives who are delivering the Yellow Pages are all trained and will have the correct and appropriate identification if they are ever challenged.
Ideally, the directories are put through the letterbox or handed over the each householder, but when it’s not possible they will leave it in a dry secure place out of site from passersby or with a neighbour, and with a card through the door saying where or with whom it has been left. Alternatively, a card may be left with a number to call to arrange delivery.
Please be extra vigilant at this time.
Car Crime Spike
We have seen an increase in incidents of vehicle crime recently. These include theft of number plates, items being stolen from insecure vehicles and car windows being smashed in order to steal valuables left on display.
Due to some insecure vehicles being targeted, officers are urging motorists not to make things easy for thieves, and are reminding them that insurance companies may not pay out if vehicles are left unlocked or with windows open. Valuables should also be removed from cars when leaving them unattended.
The Police are responding to the recent increase in car crime by increasing patrols in the affected areas at relevant times, and our traffic officers will also be using automatic number plate recognition equipment to target offenders.
To avoid becoming a victim of car crime, motorists should park in secure or well-lit areas wherever possible. They should also close all windows, set any security devices and remove all valuables, especially sat-navs and their mounting cradles. All doors should be locked and checked manually, as automatic locking devices can sometimes suffer from interference.
If you must leave your vehicle unattended with valuables inside, make sure you lock them in the boot out of sight.
Police are also urging motorists to register valuables at www.immobilise.com and to security mark them with their postcode and house number or vehicle registration number.
For non-emergency calls or to report a crime call police on 101, or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk/stockport. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.
Distraction Burglary Incident
General Information: Drink of water - Unknown offender knocks on victims door asks for glass of water, victim gives him a drink, he then has a second glass of water and asks to use the telephone, he pretends to make a call and victim sees him messing with her handbag and asks him to leave; she then realises her purse is missing
Offender/Vehicle Description: White male late 20's, 5'10", stocky build, short fair hair, round face, wearing a white zipped hooded jacket and white tracksuits bottoms.
When answering the door, always use a door chain, check who is there by looking through a window or door viewer and always ask for identification – IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT!
Don’t do business or accept services from a cold caller on the telephone or at the door
Lock all doors and windows securely
Message Received: 10 July 2013, 08:20
Theft from occupied vehicles
There have been a couple of recent cases where an occupied car has been stationary, another car driven alongside, the car door opened, goods stolen and the offending vehicle driven away.
Be extra vigilant about having valuables visible in your car whilst driving.
Lock car doors and be careful about open windows.
Message Received: 5 July 2013, 10:48
Hot Weather Burglaries
In around 25 percent of burglaries that take place in the spring and summer months, entry is gained through insecure windows and doors, especially at the rear of the property. Ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked when you are out. Don’t leave small windows open believing them to be safe.
Message Received: 7 June 2013, 13:46
Police Impersonation - Card Fraud
Police are urging residents to be wary of scam where offenders claimed to be police officers.
Just before 11.10am on Saturday 1 June 2013, police received a call from an elderly couple from the Cheadle Hulme area of Stockport to report a fraud.
They had received a phone call from a man around noon on Friday 31st May saying that he was a detective from the Metropolitan Police claiming their bank card had been used in fraudulent transactions. The ‘detective’ then told the victims they would transfer them through to their bank.
Another man’s voice came on the phone and believing they had been transferred, the victims gave him their card PIN numbers after being asked to type the PIN numbers into the telephone keypad.
Half an hour later a taxi was sent to the address in Cheadle Hulme and the driver unwittingly collected the victim’s bank cards before driving off.
The same day the victim's realised a large amount of money had been taken out of their accounts. Police Sergeant Adam Shuttleworth from Stockport West INPT said: “We want to make the public aware of this scam and ask people to let their friends, relatives and neighbours know. Police would never send a taxi to your home address to collect personal documents including credit cards or ask for your PIN numbers.
“We believe there was a similar attempt to defraud an elderly woman in the Ashton-under-Lyne area back in April. Fortunately, the taxi driver who had been called grew suspicious and contacted police.
“If you are called by someone claiming to be a police officer and you are concerned or suspicious, take their details including name and collar number and call police on 101 to verify their details.
“If you believe your credit card has been cloned or stolen, call your bank straight away.”
Message Received: 24 May 2013, 16:26
Holiday Security Checklist
In around 25 percent of burglaries that take place in the spring and summer months, entry is gained through insecure windows and doors, especially at the rear of the property.
• Ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked when you are out. Don’t leave small windows open believing them to be safe.
• If you want to leave windows open while you sleep, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened, or make sure they are not large enough to allow access to a burglar.
• When out in your garden ensure that windows and doors to the front of the house are secure. It only takes a second for someone to get into your home and take things without you noticing.
• Do not leave valuables on display in front of windows or in reach of open windows or doors.
• Ensure that all barbecue and garden equipment and tools are securely locked up in a shed and out of sight. Tools can be used by the potential offender to break in to your home.
• Consider fitting outside security lighting or a visible alarm to help deter burglars. Even using pea shingle or gravel on a driveway and spiky plants in garden beds can help.
• Don’t leave any keys near entry points where they can be ‘fished’ or ‘hooked’ out through the window, letter box or cat flap.
• Ensure any internal handle operated locks on UPVC doors are fully secured with a key.
For additional advice please see attached Holiday Security Checklist:
Holiday_Security_Checklist_2013
Message Received: 1 Mar 2013, 13:54
Scam Calls Alert
Please be aware that Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre, have issued a warning about scam calls claiming to be from a Local Authority Education Welfare department. The caller claims a child has been absent from school and a fine is due. Action Fraud have published details. It is very useful site that has up to date information on the latest suspected frauds doing the rounds and it is well worth a visit every so often. More details are available at: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/home
We also had an incident in Romliey with someone claiming to be from 'Care Call' telephoned asking for bank details of the client. Please note this is not an approach that Care Call would use. They use written communications when dealing with finances. Please remind people of the importance of not disclosing their bank details over the telephone.
Message Received: 31 Jan 2013, 13:32
Council Tax Scam Warning in Stockport
Stockport Council today issued a new warning to residents to be on their guard against scam phone calls regarding Council Tax bands.
Dozens of residents throughout the borough have contacted the Council’s Trading Standards team reporting to have been phoned by companies who offered to save them thousands of pounds in Council Tax overpayments on the basis that their property is in the wrong Council Tax band.
The Council’s Trading Standards team are concerned with how these companies may be obtaining their business and are investigating into complaints of misrepresentation and fraud. A sales representative was recently arrested in the Marple area in connection with these enquiries following a complaint from a local resident.
Many residents claim that the caller misled them into believing they were acting on behalf of Stockport Council or the Valuation Office. The companies cold call residents and advise that they are most probably paying too much council tax and often also that their neighbours could be paying a lot less than them.
They will then arrange a visit from a representative for the necessary paperwork to be signed and it is only explained during the visit that there is a fee upfront, often around £170, to process the paperwork and that the company will take a percentage of the successful claim which is usually around 25%.
Councillor Kevin Hogg, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Public Realm, said: “Some of these businesses do not make it clear during the initial phone call exactly who they are and residents can be under the impression they are dealing with someone from the Valuation Office or the Council. Also, they cannot guarantee that you will move to a lower Council Tax band without knowing full details of your housing circumstances. The decision is made by the Valuation Office Agency (the VOA), not a private company.”
Stockport Council automatically refunds any over-payments and does not phone householders to ask for bank details. If you think you may have overpaid, phone the Council on 0161 217 6014 and ask for it to be checked.
If you want to check whether you’re in the right Council Tax band, contact the Valuation Office on 03000 501501 or visit their webpages.
If you wish to appeal against the band you are in, this is dealt with free of charge.
Residents who wish to report a Council Tax scam are urged to call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Book of Big Scams
Every year, the British public loses billions of pounds to scammers who bombard us with online, mail, door-to-door and telephone scams.
Scams (or frauds) are often difficult to investigate; they can be complicated and often involve many people (both victims and suspects). They can take a lot of resources to investigate and courts can find it difficult to convict suspects because of the grey area that exists between dishonesty and sharp practice. Prevention through awareness is therefore a vital strand in combating scammers.
Please follow the link below a booklet produced by Thames Valley Police. The booklet will increase your awareness of the vast array of scams that are being used and teach you some easy steps you can take to protect yourself. It should be seen as a general guide to many of the scams currently operating in the UK.
Request the booklet here
Message Received: 18 Jan 2013, 12:04
Wheelie Bins Fires & Shed Security Advice
Wheelie Bins
There have recently been a number of fires involving wheelie bins. These have either been stored close to front doors or moved against a front door.
Advice from the Fire Service is to put bins out for collection as late as possible, away from your door and put them away as soon after collection as possible.
If bins have to be stored near footpaths or in front gardens then try and ensure they can’t be moved, either by fastening a group of bins together or securing them to something that can’t be moved.
To arrange a free Home Safety Check call Freephone 0800 555 815 or visit the Greater Manchester Fire & Resuce Service website: www.manchesterfire.gov.uk
How secure is your shed?
Thefts from sheds, garages and out-houses are on the increase. The following crime prevention leaflets offer some practical steps you can take to secure your shed and its contents.
LINK [Ringmaster_leaflet_shed_security.pdf]
LINK [Ringmaster_leaflet_re_shed_security_2.pdf
Steer Clear of Cycle Theft
The Reddish and the Heatons areas of Stockport are suffering a high number of burglaries where expensive mountain bikes are being targeted.
Take care on public biking forums not to disclose your home address where you keep your push bike.
Increase security where the bike is kept. Don’t clean your bike at the front of your property and keep bike carrying equipment out of sight.
Please see attached poster for more advice:
LINK [Ringmaster_bike_theft_poster1.pdf]
Please report any suspicious circumstances to Greater Manchester Police on
101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Wendy Warburton
PCSO 65374
J Div. East NPT
Marple & High Lane
Greater Manchester Police
0161 427 0115
Ext: 69792
Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/@GMPStockEast
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Remember to report anything suspicious to the police and/or your Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.