Category: Police

Elderly widow’s murder to feature on 24 Hours

A cold case involving a “ferocious” knife attack on an elderly woman in her own home is set to feature in a two-part special of a popular TV show. 24 Hours in Police Custody will follow Detective Superintendent Iain Moor and colleagues in the Major Crime Unit as they re-open the investigation into the 2013 murder of retired postmistress Una Crown. Family members and a neighbour discovered the widow’s body in her bungalow in Magazine Lane, Wisbech. Una, 86, died from stab wounds to her neck and chest, and her clothing had been set alight in a bid by the killer to disguise her injuries and destroy evidence. The two new episodes, entitled, “The Last Roll of The Dice”, follow the case as detectives try to piece together more than a decade of evidence and uncover any new information which might help catch her killer, who they believed could be hiding in plain sight. They then show how new forensic techniques revealed male DNA under Una’s fingernails, protected under her body and in her clenched fist when she fell to the floor. The DNA matched a man who still lived a stone’s throw away from her bungalow – David Newton, now in his 70s. Murder detectives had to rule out all male relatives in Newton’s paternal line, travelling all over the country, and pieced the DNA breakthrough together with new evidence to form a strong prosecution case. In February last year, Newton was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years, with Judge Justice Neil Garnham telling him he had launched “a ferocious and sustained knife attack on a defenceless old lady in her own home”. Det Supt Moor said: “For more than a decade David Newton thought he had gotten away with this most horrendous crime. He was hiding in plain sight, but jurors saw through his lies and as this programme highlights, you cannot hide forever. “Also demonstrated in the two episodes is the police commitment to continually reviewing unsolved cases and seeking new lines of enquiry. No unsolved murder case is ever closed. “When I joined the Major Crime Unit, the first thing my wife said to me was, ‘you’ve got to solve this murder’. “I’m immensely proud of bringing Newton to justice after more than a decade, and finally getting justice and closure for Una’s family. Una, by the actions she took on that night, solved her own case as she fought her attacker.” 24 Hours in Police Custody: “The Last Roll of The Dice”, is due be shown at 9pm on Channel 4 on Monday and Tuesday (13 and 14 April). Kind regards,

Criminals stole over £879 million through investment fraud in 2025.

Victims of investment fraud lost an average of £1,675 every minute last year, new figures from the City of London Police, the National Lead Force for Fraud, have revealed.   Criminals stole £879.8 million through investment fraud last year – an average of £2.4 million a day.   In 2025, 34,673 people reported investment fraud to Report Fraud, the national service that replaced Action Fraud in December 2025. This marks a 31 per cent rise on the previous year. The rise in reporting is not only linked to an increase in investment fraud, but also due to the point at which victims realise what has happened. Reports began climbing steadily from March and spiked in July and September when many people review their investments, move money into new products or check their returns ahead of the new financial year.   As part of wider fraud‑prevention work, we are urging the public to take simple steps to protect themselves. ·  Before making any investment, use the FCA’s firm checker tool, to confirm whether a firm or individual is authorised. The tool can be accessed via the FCA website and is one of the most effective ways to avoid cloned firms and bogus advisers.   ·  We encourage anyone considering an investment to be cautious of unsolicited messages, adverts promising unusually high returns, or requests to keep the offer “confidential”.   ·  You can also contact the Financial Conduct Authority’s consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768 or report suspicious businesses or individuals by using the reporting form on their website. Any suspicious activity should be reported to Report Fraud as soon as possible at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.

Have you got our number? We don’t mean 999, or even 101.

We’re talking about our confidential drink and drug drive hotline. In the first three months of the year we’ve made more than 170 drink or drug driving related arrests.

Some of these arrests came as a result of carrying out roadside breath tests after a collision, or proactive regular patrols.

However, others came from concerned members of the public – worried a driver was putting lives at risk.

Our 24/7 hotline – 0800 032 0845 – allows you to anonymously report anyone you suspect of drink or drug driving. One call could save a life. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

For more info about drink or drug driving, including the legal limits, potential penalties and dangers it can cause, visit our dedicated web page.

Tell us your priorities: Online community policing meeting invite

We’re inviting you to take part in our quarterly online meeting, where you can share your views and help shape local policing priorities. This is a great opportunity to: ·  Meet your local policing team virtually ·  Hear about the work we’ve been doing in your area ·  Ask questions and raise concerns that matter to you There will also be an update on the priorities set for December-March ·  Knife crime focusing on youths suspected to be carrying ·  Youth anti-social behaviour in Cambourne and the Guided Busway Your voice matters, and together we can make a real difference in keeping our communities safe. Event Details 📅 Thursday, 12 March 2026 🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 💻 Online Meeting To receive your invite, simply email ‘SOUTH to: 📧communitymeeting@cambs.police.uk or reply to this eCops. Don’t miss this chance to have your say and help shape the future of policing in your community!

The next Coffee with a Cop session is being hosted at Willingham Library 65 Church Street Willingham CB24 5HX on Saturday 7th March from 10am to 12pm.

Everyone is welcome

Report Fraud launches

This week, the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud, announced the full public launch of Report Fraud, which has now officially replaced Action Fraud.   A new media and advertising campaign is going live from Monday 19 January to help raise awareness of the brand-new service for reporting cyber crime and fraud.   The advertising campaign will run across radio and social channels, featuring the service’s clear new visual identity and message, ‘Every Report Counts’.    Please see our campaign hero film here: https://youtu.be/CpZRbpNxCOM   For more information, you can read more of our press release here: Report Fraud launches | City of London Police.   To report cyber crime and fraud: UK’s Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud – Report Fraud.

Our News – January 2026

Happy new year Neighbours!  I hope that 2026 is treating you very kindly. For me, January arrived with a bang, or two bangs actually. I toppled over on an icy patch of pavement, not once but twice. It was *extremely* painful. Please take extra care of yourselves. I feel very fortunate to only have a couple of bruises.  The advice from RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and at least one NHS Trust, for navigating slippery pavements is to walk like a penguin. I know it sounds silly, but it’s better than a broken bone. Take small, careful steps and keep your knees slightly bent to stay balanced. Find more guidance on how to stay safe in the cold weather here. Neighbourhood Watch launches new strategy As you may know, 2025 saw Neighbourhood Watch come to to the end of our five-year strategy. We started work with members, staff and stakeholders to develop a new strategy which will shape our work until 2030.    After extensive collaboration and consultation, the strategy has now been published. We are very grateful to all the members, staff, volunteers and stakeholders who gave up their time to contribute to this important and inspiring work. Read the full strategy document and find out more on our website.   National Crime and Community Survey The results of the 2025 National Crime and Community Survey are in, and they reveal a nation feeling increasingly on edge. More than thirty-eight thousand respondents shared their experiences.    What emerged is that nearly 42% of respondents believe crime levels in their neighbourhood have risen in the past year, similar to the figure reported in the previous year’s survey. Read the full story on our website.  Staying Cyber Secure with ERA  The latest Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey found that almost half (45%) of members were worried about experiencing cybercrime. But what steps can you take to make sure you’re protected?    Sumier Foster-Shah, Customer Service Manager at ERA, shares his top tips to help keep yourself safe from cybercrime – discover his advice here. – AD   Do you have what it takes to be a Cyberhood Ambassador? Cyberhood Ambassadors educate, help and protect people from online crime. They share information, answer cybersecurity questions and concerns, and deliver Cyberhood Watch events and activities.   Find out what our ambassador Anthony, based in Devon did to support his local community here.  Funding for police announced by Home Office The Home Office has announced that police forces across England and Wales are set to receive a funding boost of up to £798 million in the next financial year. This brings total funding up to £19.5 billion.    The majority of this funding is for local forces, with an additional £746 million allowing them to prioritise the crimes impacting their communities, including knife crime, anti-social behaviour and shop theft. Full story here.  Protect what matters: start the year future-ready As a Neighbourhood Watch member, you already believe in protecting people and property. Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) do the same for your household, making sure your wishes are followed and trusted people can step in if something unexpected happens.   The New Year is a natural time to get organised and put your affairs in order – making sure the right people are in charge, your wishes are known, and your hard-earned assets go where you want them to. A few documents can make all the difference. Future Proof Estate Planning shared their advice on where to start. – AD Happy 100th birthday Laurence! Our oldest Coordinator in Cambridgeshire, and indeed the country, recently turned 100 years old. Laurence Medlock was presented with an award by local Chairman Stan Geering. He said that now he is 100, it is time to retire!  Kevin Evans organised a surprise presentation and celebration – you can see photos on our Instagram page. Congratulations and many happy returns of the day Laurence. Thank you so much for decades of volunteering, what an inspiration you are.    Have you heard about the switch to digital landlines?  Landlines are changing, and the UK’s telephone network is going digital by January 2027. If you have loved ones with additional needs such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, BT’s Connected Together initiative encourages you to take a few simple steps to support them through the switch.    BT’s Connected Together website is where customers, can access all the guidance and support they need. Start the conversation today. – AD    Congratulations to our Christmas giveaway winners Well done to our Christmas giveaway winners. Rebecca in Littleborough got the SimpliSafe bundle, Nicola in Crewkerne was our lucky ERA winner and Cindy in Plymouth was the recipient of the Patlock. Our ERA winner, Nicola said:  “This was a lovely surprise over Christmas. I’m delighted to get the ERA bundle. I’d been looking at getting a smart security system to keep our home safe. I was so pleased when it arrived, and the M&S voucher was great too.” Don’t miss out on our next giveaway – make sure you are following us on Facebook and Instagram.    Stuff you should know… The ‘Stuff you should know’ podcast recently did a short show about the history of the Neighbourhood Watch in the US. It’s a fascinating look at the similarities, and differences, between the two cultures.  Our need to feel safe and part of a community is universal but some of the challenges and histories differ. Listen to it here.  That’s it for our news this month,. I’m always keen to know how we can improve and to share the best of our wonderful network.  Hope you have a very safe and warm January.  Best wishes Charmian

Report Fraud service goes live From 4 December 2025, the existing Action Fraud support will be replaced by our new Report Fraud service.   Report Fraud is the new service that has now replaced Action Fraud.   You should report cyber crime and fraud here from now on – reportfraud.police.uk.

Keep your home safe this Christmas

Following recent reports of high value jewellery thefts, here’s a few quick tips on how to protect your home:   ·  Install CCTV or a video doorbell ·  Lock garden gates when you’re away ·  Add outdoor sensor lights for visibility ·  Use timers for indoor lights to make it look lived-in ·  Consider a certified burglar alarm   Look out for your neighbours and report anything suspicious.    If something doesn’t seem right, then it probably isn’t, call the police on 101 or if you believe a crime is taking place, always call 999.    More advice here.

Beware of winter fuel payment scams

Between April and September 2025, Action Fraud has received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams, with victims reporting losses totalling over £27,000. Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything. If you receive any text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam. Not sure if a message is real? Contact the organisation directly using the contact details on their official website, not the number or web address in the message. Your bank (or any other official source) won’t ask you to supply personal information by email or text message. If you have spotted a suspicious SMS or RCS message, you can report it for FREE by forwarding it to 7726. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or call Police Scotland on 101.

Protect yourself from payment diversion fraud when buying a new property.

City of London Police and Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, are urging the public to remain vigilant following a rise in payment diversion fraud – commonly known as conveyancing fraud. This type of fraud often involves criminals impersonating solicitors or estate agents to intercept large financial transfers during property transactions.    Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, 143 cases of conveyancing fraud were reported to Action Fraud, resulting in £11.7 million in losses. The vast majority involved residential property transactions, accounting for 140 reports and £10.97 million in losses, with an average loss of £78,393 per case.  What is conveyancing fraud or payment diversion fraud? Conveyancing fraud, also referred to as lawyer or solicitor impersonation fraud, occurs when criminals gain access to email chains between property buyers, sellers, solicitors, and estate agents. Once inside, they impersonate a trusted party and send convincing messages requesting that funds, such as deposits or final payments, be transferred to bank accounts under their control. These scams are often timed to coincide with the final stages of a transaction, when large sums are expected to be moved quickly. Fraudsters apply pressure, claiming urgency, and convincing victims that delays could jeopardise the deal. This type of fraud isn’t limited to home purchases – it has also been reported in rental agreements and probate transactions, where funds are transferred as part of estate settlements. Fraudsters will often use hacked or spoofed email accounts so that their messages can appear highly authentic. Victims may not realise they’ve been deceived until the money is gone. How to protect yourself from conveyancing fraud: ·  Receiving bank details securely: always get your solicitor’s bank details in-person or over the phone at the start of the conveyancing process, and request that any changes to these details be communicated with you in-person, by phone call, or by letter.  ·  Email or texts asking you to change bank details: if you receive a message that feels suspicious, such as a request from your solicitor asking you to amend payment information, STOP! Think fraud. Contact your solicitor directly, over the phone or in-person, and verify that the request was genuine.   ·  Prioritise your email security: you should use three random words to create a strong and separate password for your email account. Enable two-step verification to add an extra level of security.  What to do if you are a victim of conveyancing fraud: ·  If you have made a payment: inform your bank as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses.   ·  Report: if you become the victim of conveyancing fraud, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud online at http://actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you’re in Scotland, you can report it to Police Scotland on 101.  ·  You could be targeted again: fraudsters sometimes re-establish contact with previous victims claiming that they can help them recover lost money, this is just a secondary scam. Hang up on any callers that claim they can get your money back for you.    Do you want to learn more about payment diversion fraud? Check out the City of London press release here.

Romance scam warning

Our fraud and cyber prevention officers are always working hard to help safeguard people against romance scams like the one below. They’ve been dealing with an influx of celebrity-based romance scams recently and have some important advice to share…    Imagine caring for your ailing husband in his final days after 50 years of marriage. He’s your rock, your world, your everything. After his death you’re suddenly all alone. Your days were once filled with love, laughter and latterly a duty of care, but now you’re left with time on your hands. Struggling through a heavy, grief-filled fog, you seek solace online and connection with friends over social media. You join fan pages of some of your favourite celebrities – it brings you joy to read about their latest work and helps to fill the dark, relentless void left by your recent loss. Then, one day, while scrolling through social media, you receive a message out of the blue, it’s from American Actor and film producer, Jason Momoa. You’ve been following his fan page and he’s reached out to say hello. You can hardly believe your eyes, but you strike up a conversation – you’re not going to pass up this opportunity. You exchange messages for days on end and suddenly you start to feel less alone. Over weeks of contact, romance blossoms between you and he sends you a picture of a house in Hawaii he’s building for you both to live together. Due to his high-flying lifestyle he has an unusual financial situation and his cash is tied up in his many film projects. He needs you to send him money to help finish the house ready for your arrival.  Things escalate and you hand over more than £500,000 in total, including money from the sale of your home – you’re not going to need it, you’ll be living in Hawaii with the incredibly successful Jason. But you’re not going to Hawaii, are you? Because the whole thing is a scam. This might sound ridiculously far-fetched, but it’s a true story and it happened to a vulnerable woman from Cambridgeshire recently, leaving her without a home. You might not fall for something like this, but do you know someone who could? Fraudsters deliberately research their victims and target the most vulnerable in society or those going through tough times. Fraud and cyber prevention officer, Dave York, said: “Romance scams cause devastation for victims and their families. Scammers target the most vulnerable people and those at their lowest ebb, looking to fill a gap in their lives. “They brainwash victims for weeks, even months at a time, until they’re completely convinced by the web of lies and hand over their money. “We work tirelessly to help tackle romance scams, but due to perpetrators often operating remotely from other countries, it can be so hard to track them down and bring them to justice. “The best thing we can do is safeguard victims and prevent people being drawn in by such scams, and that’s where friends and family members can help too.” For more advice on Romance scams and how to protect yourself and others, visit our website: https://orlo.uk/2RMlc

Police warning following distraction burglaries

Police are urging residents to be vigilant following a series of distraction burglaries reported in and around Cambridge. The incidents reported have involved two women claiming to offer massages to help back, knee and leg pain, specifically to the elderly, disabled and vulnerable individuals. Here are some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself. Please share with any vulnerable neighbours or relatives. ·  Check who’s at the door using a viewer or spyhole. ·  If you do open the door, keep the security chain on. ·  Always ask for ID and confirm it with the company before letting anyone in. ·  Use a trusted phone number from a directory or official website – don’t rely on the number shown on their ID card, as it could be fake. For utility companies, contact their customer service team. Close the door while you make the call. If you’re unsure, arrange for the visitor to return when someone else can be with you. You can read more about the incidents on our website.

Operation Galileo Relaunched: United Front Against Hare Coursing

We have joined forces with Essex Police, Hertfordshire Constabulary and NPAS to re-launch Operation Galileo — a joint initiative to tackle hare coursing and rural crime. This is more than a relaunch. It’s a clear message: we will not tolerate hare coursing or the criminality that comes with it. Borders do not protect offenders, and they do not restrict our ability to work together. The operation includes: ·  Coordinated enforcement and intelligence sharing across counties. ·  NPAS aircraft supporting rural patrols and tracking offenders. ·  Specialist rural crime officers responding swiftly and building strong cases for prosecution. We’re standing shoulder to shoulder to protect our rural communities and wildlife. You can read more on our website.