Cambs Police – Have your say

eCops Logo Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Message Type Icon Please Have Your Say
Dear residents,

At the beginning of the year we invited you to take part in a new engagement model to allow greater opportunity for two-way communications between you as residents and police.

We had 165 residents across South Cambs fill in an online survey allowing us to understand what crime is happening in the area.

Then on 1 February we held our first online engagement meeting which saw residents from the area attend to ask questions of the team and have their say on policing priorities in the area.

Over the past few months we’ve been focusing locally on: Anti-social behaviour Speeding Anti-social driving Drug dealing We’re now getting ready to hold the engagement process again. We once again invite you to fill in our online survey so we can understand what’s happening in your area.

We’ll then meet again online, on 5 May, where we will have a presentation on recent policing activity from the team, we’ll listen to concerns, present the result of results of the survey and allow you to once again shape the police activity. Please register your attendance here.

After the meeting, your neighbourhood policing team will work on the matters we agree and update you with the progress over the coming weeks and months.

We hope you will get on board with this pilot once again so we can work together to create a Safer Cambridgeshire.

We look forward to hearing from you during the process.

Inspector Shane Fasey
South Cambs
 
Message Sent By
Tara Dundon (Police, Comms officer, Corp comms)
 

Warning As Vans Targeted By Thieves Across The County

eCops Logo Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Dear subscriber,

We have issued a warning and appeal for information following 26 instances where tools have been stolen from vans across Cambridgeshire.

The incidents have all taken place within the last two weeks since 21 February, mostly in Peterborough but spanning the whole county – March, Whittlesey, Somersham, Needingworth, St Ives, Buckden, Warboys, Grafham, Ely, Trumpington, Cambridge, Cottenham, Histon and Grantchester.

We understand the impact these thefts have on people’s livelihoods when tools they need to do their job are stolen, which is why we are working hard to identify those responsible.

Where possible, it is advised tools are not left in vehicles which are unoccupied or consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools.

We’re asking our communities to report any suspicious activity to us, including any CCTV footage which captures potential offenders.

Advice on how to best protect your vehicle from thieves can be found on our website here, including specific advice around tool theft from vans.

Information can be passed to us online either through our reporting form or via our webchat function.

Those without internet access should call 101. Always dial 999 if a crime is in action.

Kind regards,
Message Sent By
Lauren Alexander (Police, Senior Communications Officer, Cambridgeshire Constabulary)
 
Scam Alert forwarded from Cambridgeshire Police
Casp View as a webpage scam warning Cambridgeshire Police Fraud Alert –
Fake Banking App Scam

Fake banking apps are available to download from both the Apple Store and Google Play, apps that fraudsters could use to scam people.
The link below relates to a Wiltshire media article and provides more detail of the scam in action, but I will provide a summary.
Fraudsters download a fake banking app and search local online marketplaces.

If you are selling something locally and you invite the buyer to visit your home, or an agreed meeting place, be alert if you agree to the sale when the buyer produces their mobile phone and asks for your bank account and sort code. You will be able to watch them enter the details into their fake banking app and then they will show you the screen of their phone which will display a message that the agreed amount has successfully been paid into your bank.

Please do not hand over the goods until you have checked and confirmed that the payment has been received into your own bank account, but this is where the criminal may try and distract you.

This type of scam could impact on any one of us potentially, but I am concerned for those who are vulnerable and feel intimidated, so they don’t check their bank account before handing over the goods.
Please take the time to read the media article and mention to family and friends. Watch out for fake bank app used by crooks in attempted £600 iPhone scam | This Is Wiltshire Follow us on Twitter| Facebook|Cambridgeshire.gov.uk/against-scams CCC PCC
Scam Alert forwarded from Cambridgeshire Police
Casp View as a webpage scam warning Advice from Cambs Police on Delivery room Scams UK consumers are being increasingly targeted by recovery room scams. This is where fraudsters approach those who have been scammed or had failed investments, offering to help them get their money back for an upfront fee. This scam is particularly effective in cases where the person does not get a refund from their bank. There is usually no explanation on how money will be recovered or, if an explanation is given, it is likely to be false or implausible. For example, falsely claiming to be the Financial Conduct Authority or working with the Government, Police, Action Fraud, to recover any monies which have been lost. Generally, recovery rooms insist on being paid a fee or transaction charge before carrying out any services to recover any losses.
How recovery room scams works
Recovery room scams usually follow on from the original scam where someone has lost money. The perpetrators of the original scam may operate the recovery room and contact the victim again pretending to be from a different firm or sell on their details to other recovery rooms. The scam tends to involve cold calling with high-pressure tactics and upfront charges described as a tax, solicitor, or administrative fees, which can result in losses that can be greater than the initial loss. The recovery rooms often have professional-looking websites to persuade visitors they are legitimate and claim to have a UK presence when they don’t. These websites often make false claims to have successfully recovered money for other consumers involved in scams. Recovery rooms generally use a web-based email address, such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or Russian search engine, Yandex. The Police, FCA, HMRC, banks never use webmail providers to contact consumers, nor does the Government, law enforcement agencies or law firms.
Be aware of clone firms
Many bogus firms will use the name, firm registration number (FRN), and address of firms and individuals who are FCA authorised. This is called a clone firm. Scammers may even copy legitimate websites, making subtle changes such as changing the phone number.
How to protect yourself
Always be wary if you are contacted out of the blue about recovering money lost due to fraud or due to a failed investment, or if you feel pressured to hand over money quickly or are promised something that sound too good to be true.   Be wary of websites, phone calls, and online or social media adverts promising to recover any money you may have lost from investments or fraud. If you get a phone call offering to recover your losses, ask how the caller has information about your lost money. Any report of fraud can only be shared between other law enforcement agencies. It cannot be shared with a private business operating a recovery room. If you have been asked to pay a fee or provide your bank account, card, or other financial details, end all contact immediately and do not pay any money or provide any banking details. Recovery room scams claim to provide services usually offered by claims management companies. A firm must be authorised to advertise or undertake these services in the UK. Check the FCA website Financial Services Register to make sure the firm is authorised. www.fca.org.uk   Follow us on Twitter| Facebook|Cambridgeshire.gov.uk/against-scams CCC PCC

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Against Scams Partnership – update

Scam in Focus – Bogus trades people

This months Scam in focus and how to protect yourself.

A trade scam is where scammers are using legitimate sites in order to find victims. 

When winter passes, our thoughts soon turn to all those spring maintenance jobs we couldn’t do in the colder months. So how do you find good tradespeople to do work on your home and protect yourself from rogue traders who overcharge for poor quality goods and services, or demand money upfront and then don’t show up to do the job?

  • Recommendations from friends and family is a good starting point, but, with people moving around more often these days, it might not be possible to get a personal recommendation if you are new to an area. That’s why people are increasingly turning to the internet to find tradespeople and comparison and finder sites are springing up for this purpose. CAPASP recommends, however, sticking to the more well-established sites such as Safe Local Trades, https://www.safelocaltrades.com/  , Buy with Confidence https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ , Checkatrade  https://www.checkatrade.com/ or TrustATrader https://www.trustatrader.com/ which have robust vetting and reviewing procedures in place and which are therefore highly unlikely to list any rogue traders.
  • Stay within your comfort zone when interacting with potential tradespeople, if you feel that something isn’t right, trust your gut instincts and assume that it probably isn’t and break the contact. If a tradesperson then pesters you, it can be a further sign that they are not legitimate.
  • Tradespeople are usually sole traders or a very small team who are unlikely to have a receptionist or secretary.  They will be conducting their call-backs in the evenings and weekends when they have some time, so, if you are called back immediately, by a secretary or receptionist, or by the person himself, that could be a warning sign.
  • Good tradespeople are inundated with work and have a waiting list, so another warning sign could be If you are told they can start the work immediatly. Everyone gets cancellations, even genuine tradespeople, but they will generally move up the jobs in order. It is rare therefore that a good tradesperson will be able to come in the next week so be prepared to wait several weeks, it will be worth it in the long run.
  • Genuine tradespeople won’t ask for the invoice to be paid in full before the work commences. Now remembering that they are usually sole traders or small businesses, they may ask you to pay for the materials up front.  If this is the case they won’t be offended if you tell them to give you a list of what they need and you order it and pay for it and get it delivered to your house. 

More information about your consumer rights when dealing with tradespeople can be found here:  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/getting-home-improvements-done/cancelling-building-or-decorating-work/

If you wish to report a tradesperson to Trading Standards you can do so via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133 or using the online form here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/ . If you have been intimidated by a tradesperson and wish to report it to the Police, call 101 or use the online form here:  https://www.cambs.police.uk/report/Report . In an emergency situation, always call 999.


Proposed Policing precept increase – online survey

Message Type Icon Commissioner Proposes Precept Increase To Support Record Officer Numbers For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Good  afternoon

Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston has today launched an online survey asking for people’s views on his proposed increase to the policing part of council tax. 

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey – a link is provided below or you will find it on the Commissioner’s website (cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk).

The Police & Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire | Consultations & Surveys (cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk)

Many thanks and a happy new year.


 

Keep Burglars Away This Christmas

eCops Logo Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Message Type Icon Keep Burglars Away This Christmas
Dear resident,

In the run up to Christmas, we’re urging homeowners to take steps to protect their property and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime this festive season.

While many of us are looking forward to a break from work and catching up with friends and family, it’s not a time of rest and recuperation for criminals.

They too will be out doing their Christmas shopping and looking to gain advantage at your expense.

We’ll be working 24/7 throughout the Christmas period continuing to identify crime hotspots, short-term spikes and key offending patterns, as well as investigating offences and carrying out disruptive tactics against known burglars.

You can help too by not making it easy for them. Staying alert to your surroundings and reporting anything suspicious you see to police. By taking a few preventative tips too we can all wish for a happy Christmas;

Popping over the road to give Mrs Smith her Christmas card? Close and lock your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
 
Heading out for a meal and drinks with friends? Leave a light on if it will be dark before you get home and consider security lights. A dark house could be an empty house.
 
Amazon orders arriving daily? Ensure your delivery driver has a safe place to leave them and that doesn’t mean the doorstep.
 
Presents are wrapped and under the tree? Keep valuables out of sight, don’t make it easy for a burglar to see and take your family’s gifts.
 
Going to spend Christmas with a loved one? Cancel deliveries and ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your property. We’ve got lots more tips and advice on our website .

We hope you don’t need us over the festive period but if you do, we’ll be here. If a crime is in progress please call us on 999. For everything else, call 101 or report to us online.

Kind regards
Message Sent By
Kirsty Inman (Police, Corporate Communications, Cambridgeshire)
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Scam Warning

scam warning

Scam Alert forwarded from Cambridgeshire Police

View as a webpage

Scam Alert forwarded on from Cambridgeshire Police
Please be alert to the suspicious email (detailed below) that has been received today by a resident within Cambridgeshire, it exploits the briefing at the weekend by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In the suspicious email note the ‘From’ address.
The official domain name of the NHS is @nhs.uk NOT @pcr-nhs-test.co.uk
There is no such thing as an OMICRON PCR TEST.
Omicron is a variant of Covid, and a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, detects the presence of the COVID-19 virus in the human body.
The official sources make NO reference to an ‘Omicron PCR test kit’ because it does not exisit.

The wording in the suspicious email is not what I would expect from the NHS or gov.uk, it refers to NHS scientists, which I find VERY odd due to the private sector developing the vaccine.
It asks the question ‘What happen if you decline a COVID-19 Omicron test’? There is no ‘s’ after the word happen, poor grammar which I would expect from an official genuine sender.
You may also note in the body of text, that they also spell Omicron, OMICORN.
Spelling, grammar, all the red flags are in this phishing email.

If you wish to find out more about the variant Omicron or forms of testing, then visit the genuine websites www.gov.uk or www.nhs.uk

If you receive any suspicious email please forward to report@phishing.gov.uk
Avoid clicking on links instead, visit the genuine official website or genuine app of the alleged sender.

SUSPICIOUS EMAIL BELOW – ALL LINKS REMOVED

From: NHS (ontact@pcr-nhs-test.co.u)
Sent: 30 November 2021 08:43
To: Subject: Get Your Free Omicron PCR test – Apply now to avoid restrictions
Get Your Free Omicron PCR today to avoid restrictions

NHS scientists have warned that the new Covid variant Omicron spreads rapidly, can be transmitted between fully vaccinated people, and makes jabs less effective.However, as the new covid variant (Omicron)has quickly become apparent, we have had to make new test kits as the new variant appears dormant in the original test kits.
What happen if you decline a COVID-19 Omicron test?
In this situation, we warned that testing is in the best interests of themselves, friends, and family. People who do not consent or cannot agree to a COVID-19 test and refuse to undergo a swab must be isolated.

How to request a Free Omicron PCR test?
You can order your Omicorn pcr test via NHS portal by clicking the link below:

order-pcr/OVID-10-omicron-resarch/

What happen if you are positive?
If positive, they must isolate for 10 days and should be reported to Public Health England.


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Is your Shed Secure?

eCops Logo Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Message Type Icon is Your Shed Secure?
Dear residents,

Over the weekend we’ve had a number of reports of shed, garage and outbuilding burglaries in Histon with tools and equipment being targeted.

Many of us have taken steps to improve the security of our home but we often forget about our sheds and outbuildings. Not only are the contents of interest to potential burglars, but garden tools also make for handy implements to assist them into your home or your neighbour’s property.

We’re increasing patrols around hotspot areas and invite you to take a few minutes to read our advice for keeping your sheds and outbuildings secure: Always ensure you lock your garage or shed and don’t store any valuable items in there, unless you use appropriate security measures
  Store gardening equipment and tools in your shed, garage, or other outbuilding, as burglars can use these to break into your home
  Windows to garages, sheds or outbuildings can be secured with internal diamond mesh grilles, which provide a good visual obstacle to burglars
  Side or rear garage doors can be secured with British Standard 5lever mortice locks and two internal mortice rack bolts placed towards the top and bottom to reduce the leverage points You can find further information including how to secure your property boundary on our website.

If you unfortunately fall victim to one of these crimes, you can report this to us via our website or by calling 101, in an emergency, please dial 999.

Kind regards,

South Cambs Neighbourhood Policing Team
Message Sent By
Kirsty Inman (Police, Corporate Communications, Cambridgeshire)
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New Police and Crime Plan For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

eCops Logo Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner
Message Type Icon Updated With Link New Police and Crime Plan For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Good afternoon,


Today sees the launch of a new Police and Crime Plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough which sets out my policing and crime priorities for the next three years.

The Plan has been put together following extensive consultation with local residents, businesses and other organisations working to support criminal justice and community safety. I would like to thank those who took the time to give me their views in my July 2021 public survey.

You will see that ‘Putting communities first’ is at the heart of my plan. While people understand that the police have to respond to high harm issues such as child abuse, domestic and serious violence, communities also want to see local issues such as anti-social behaviour, speeding and drug dealing dealt with. We currently have the highest number of police officers we have ever had in our county however the police cannot tackle these issues alone.

To download a copy of the Plan, please click here.

I will work hard with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and other partners to make sure the issues residents and businesses are worried about are dealt with and the above priorities are delivered. My commitment to you – the residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – remains the same as the day I was appointed your Commissioner – to cut crime, help victims and keep people safe.



Darryl Preston

Police and Crime Commissioner
Message Sent By
Catherine Kimberley (Police, OPCC Communications Officer, Cambridgeshire)
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15M Lost To Online Shopping Scams Last Christmas

eCops Logo Action Fraud (NFIB)
Message Type Icon 15M Lost To Online Shopping Scams Last Christmas
Online shopping scams cost shoppers £15.4 million over the Christmas period last year.


New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveals that 28,049 shoppers were conned out of their money when shopping online over the Christmas period last year – an increase of almost two thirds (61 per cent) when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online as reports of online shopping fraud have continued to surge. Here are some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy a secure online shopping experience this festive season.

Where to shop
Buying from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.


Your information
Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.


Payment method
When it’s time to pay for your items, check there’s a ‘closed padlock’ icon in the browser’s address bar. Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases.

Phishing
Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If you’re unsure about a link, don’t use the it – go separately to the website. Report suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726.


Email accounts:
Make sure that your really important accounts (such as your email account or online shopping accounts) are protected by strong passwords that you don’t use anywhere else.

Need help changing your email account password? You can use these links to find step by step instructions: Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, BT, AOL Mail


If things go wrong
If you’ve lost money to an online shopping scam, tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland). By doing this, you’ll be helping to prevent others becoming victims of cyber crime.

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware


Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Cambridgeshire Police Fraud & Cyber Alert – Amazon UK to stop accepting Visa credit cards

Sent on behalf of Cambridgeshire Police Fraud & Cyber Team

For those of you that use Amazon.co.uk you may already have been informed that as of January 19th 2022, Amazon will not accept Visa credit cards for payment.
I note with interest, that they advise you to replace the card with either a Debit Card or another credit card issuer.

Please remember, that using a credit card to online shop provides you with more consumer protection than using your debit card.
Using a credit card, you are spending someone else’s money until you pay it back.
Using a debit card, you are spending your own money.

I like to try and predict how the criminals will react to the Amazon announcement, so I would not be surprised and I urge you to be alert to the fact, that criminals will exploit this situation to send phishing communications that appear to come from Amazon, inviting you to click on a link so you can change the card details on your account.

May I suggest, that you access your Amazon account (or any online account) via the genuine website or genuine app, not via a link in a text, email or social media message.

Regards

Mr Nigel Sutton 8517
Fraud and Cyber Security Advisor

Warning after spate of burglaries

eCops Logo Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Message Type Icon Warning After Spate of Burglaries
Dear Subscribers,

We’re urging residents to be vigilant, review their home security and look out for any suspicious activity following a string of burglaries across the south of Cambridgeshire.

Since the weekend the force has received reports of burglaries spiking in Cambourne, Sawston and Trumpington as well as nearby villages.

Where thieves have been successful in breaking into properties, jewellery and cash have been taken along with electrical items.

Please take simple measures to keep your home safe. Lock doors, keep keys and valuables out of reach and ensure outbuildings and rear entrances to properties are also secure.

Consider installing good interior and exterior lighting, used together with time switches or motion sensors.

Keep an eye on your neighbours’ property and report anything that doesn’t feel right to police.

If a crime is in progress, call police on 999. Otherwise, please call 101 or report it online.

Further burglary prevention advice is available here.

Detective Sergeant James Rabbett
Southern Burglary Team
 
Message Sent By
Tara Dundon (Police, Comms officer, Corp comms)

Neighbourhood Watch Serious Crime Webinars 9th November 5pm

eCops Logo Neighbourhood Watch
Message Type Icon You Are Invited To Attend Our Free Webinar As Part of Our Serious Crime Event In November
Dear Mandy

We are delighted to be able to invite you to our FREE online webinar regarding Preventing and disrupting county lines exploitation.  This will be held on Tuesday 9th November from 5pm-6pm.

The webinar will focus on providing an in depth view on County Lines exploitation, based on the key principals; exploitation, prevention, protection, and reporting

What is County Lines?
County lines is a form of criminal exploitation where urban gangs persuade, coerce or force children and young people to store drugs and money and/or transport them to suburban areas, market towns and coastal towns (Home Office, 2018). It can happen in any part of the UK and is against the law and a form of child abuse.

We are delighted to welcome expert guest speakers from The Children’s Society, County Lines leads and organised crime county lines coordinators to be part of our panel of presenters.

Event Details Tuesday 9th November 2021 5.00pm – 6.00pm Online via Zoom Register for your FREE place How to register for the event Simply register for your FREE space https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/preventing-and-disrupting-county-lines-exploitation-tickets-195017421357 You will receive your link to the event once you have registered. We look forward to welcoming you to the event as part of our serious crime webinars in November.  Look for more details in our November newsletter.

Best wishes
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH  Central Support Team
Message Sent By
Central Support Team (NWN, Neighbourhood Watch Network, England and Wales)
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