Neighbourhood Watch & Emergency News

Neighbourhood Watch and Emergency News

Messages from the Community Messaging Service

Message from Jim Enright, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Newton St Cyres Parish Council

"I have spoken with Wendy Lewis who is being pestered by phone scammers pretending to be from HMRC (about a tax issue, they left a number to call back 0203 129 7041)) or a bank (fraudulent activity on your account). It seems that once they have your number they use it for multiple scamming attempts.

As Wendy says a lot of the time you know it is a scam such as a call from BT...... but you get your telephone service from some other provider!!. Or a call from a Bank that you do not have an account with.

On other occasions it might sound more real if you do have an account with that business.

The important thing to remember is that HMRC, your bank etc. would not contact you by phone. They would write to you. And they would never ask you for passwords etc.

Your response to all such calls should be short. Tell them you are busy and ask them to write to you and put down the phone. In the unlikely event they are genuine they will have your address!!

There are lots of scams doing the round. Don`t become a victim. Don`t give them any personal info. Ask them to write to you but don`t give them your address or your email address."

Jim Enright, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator. NSC Parish Council

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE GROUP

list of Priority Vulnerable Residents

The Community Resilience Group was set up by the Parish Council to have a plan in place to cope with any emergencies that might strike. These include snow, flood, crime, traffic accidents, road blockages and so on.
Such incidents are nearly always handled by the Emergency Services of Police, Fire or Ambulance but local knowledge and availability of aid can certainly help.
We now need to compile a list of Priority Vulnerable Residents within our village community.
Most of us could cope for 24 hours without electricity but someone who required daily dialysis, for example, could not. They would need to be identified and special priority help provided. Hence the need for a Priority List.
Please help us to compile the list by letting us know of any residents known to you that should be included. We will need name, tel no, address, approximate age and details of their disability.
This information will be kept confidential and distribution limited to Community Resilience Group members as necessary.
In addition, vulnerable people can contact Western Power Distribution directly to be placed on their Priority Service Register. This can be done by calling Wester Power on 0845 724 0240 or visiting their website at: www.westernpower.co.uk/PSR.

Please provide details to the Parish Clerk, Jane Hole, whose contact details are; Phone: 01392 851148 Email: [email protected] Post: The Cellar, Pump Street, Newton St Cyres, Devon, EX5 5DA

BURGLARY
Remember: Most burglaries are opportunistic

Always close and lock doors and windows when you go out – even if just for a short time – and when you go to bed at night. Don’t forget doors into garages or conservatories.

Make sure your locks and security measures comply with your insurance requirements.
Join the local Neighbourhood scheme! Membership of a scheme is a proven deterrent to burglars

Keep keys, including shed and car keys, in a place where they’re not visible to anyone looking in. Don’t leave keys in the door and never hide a spare key outside
Keep valuables hidden and not visible from windows

Take photos of your valuable items for insurance purposes and keep them with your policy

Window locks and visible burglar alarms can act as a deterrent to criminals
Never leave packaging from new goods visible with your general rubbish. Criminals may see it and target your property
Draw curtains in the evening and leave your lights on a timer switch if you’re going out. Make sure one light is on upstairs
Never give your keys to anyone you do not know well. Change the locks when you move house so that you know exactly who has keys
Never keep large amounts of cash in the house
Consider keeping expensive jewellery, house deeds and other important items in a home safe anchored to the brickwork

Don`t just plan to do it………….do it!!!!

To protect your home Neighbourhood Watch advises using the WIDE system.
   W   Window locks on every window
   I   Interior lights left on when you are out or away
   D   Double or dead bolts fitted on doors
   E   Exterior lights on a sensor
Windows: When having new windows fitted, ensure they have secure locking devices. For older windows fitting additional locks will enhance your security. Never leave a window open when you’re out, even if it is only for a short period of time.
Interior lights; leave a light on, especially if darkness is a possibility before you return home. And if you are away fit a timer controlled plug to a table lamp or two.
Doors: A BS five-lever mortice lock with a nightlatch; or a multi-point lock that uses hooks is essential for all external doors. Further peace of mind can be gained from fitting security bolts, a chain, a spy hole; and hinge bolts to protect the hinge side of the door. For timber doors an ERA British Standard 3621 Fortress mortice lock ensures you meet insurance standards and is a suitable upgrade to existing locks.
Exterior lights; Sensor lights are now inexpensive and solar powered lights may also be used.
Close and lock your doors and windows at night and when you leave the house. Burglars are lazy and would much rather get in through an open door or window.
Don’t forget to lock doors into garages and conservatories, especially in warm weather.
Consider a Neighbourhood Watch Padlock for your French patio doors.
Keep all your keys in a place where they can’t be seen by anyone looking in (even through a letterbox). Don’t leave keys in the door lock and don’t hide a spare key under a nearby plant pot.
Make sure your locks and security measures comply with your home insurance requirements

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH INFORMATION --------------How Much Force can I use against an intruder?

Here is a very good piece of advice regarding householders and the use of force against intruders.
Joint Public Statement from the Crown Prosecution Service and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

What is the purpose of this statement?
It is a rare and frightening prospect to be confronted by an intruder in your own home. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Chief Constables are responding to public concern over the support offered by the law and confusion about householders defending themselves. We want a criminal justice system that reaches fair decisions, has the confidence of law-abiding citizens and encourages them actively to support the police and prosecutors in the fight against crime.
Wherever possible you should call the police. The following summarises the position when you are faced with an intruder in your home, and provides a brief overview of how the police and CPS will deal with any such events.

Does the law protect me? What is 'reasonable force'?
Anyone can use reasonable force to protect themselves or others, or to carry out an arrest or to prevent crime. You are not expected to make fine judgements over the level of force you use in the heat of the moment. So long as you only do what you honestly and instinctively believe is necessary in the heat of the moment, that would be the strongest evidence of you acting lawfully and in self-defense. This is still the case if you use something to hand as a weapon.
As a general rule, the more extreme the circumstances and the fear felt, the more force you can lawfully use in self-defense.

What amounts to disproportionate force? I’ve heard I can use that.
The force you use must always be reasonable in the circumstances as you believe them to be. Where you are defending yourself or others from intruders in your home, it might still be reasonable in the circumstances for you to use a degree of force that is subsequently considered to be disproportionate, perhaps if you are acting in extreme circumstances in the heat of the moment and don’t have a chance to think about exactly how much force would be necessary to repel the intruder: it might seem reasonable to you at the time but, with hindsight, your actions may seem disproportionate. The law will give you the benefit of the doubt in these circumstances.
This only applies if you were acting in self-defense or to protect others in your home and the force you used was disproportionate – disproportionate force to protect property is still unlawful.

I’ve heard that I can’t use grossly disproportionate force. What does that mean?
If your action was ‘over the top’ or a calculated action of revenge or retribution, for example, this might amount to grossly disproportionate force for which the law does not protect you. If, for example, you had knocked an intruder unconscious and then went on to kick and punch them repeatedly, such an action would be more likely to be considered grossly disproportionate.

Do I have to wait to be attacked?
No, not if you are in your own home and in fear for yourself or others. In those circumstances the law does not require you to wait to be attacked before using defensive force yourself.

What if the intruder dies?
If you have acted in reasonable self-defense, as described above, and the intruder dies you will still have acted lawfully. Indeed, there are several such cases where the householder has not been prosecuted. However, if, for example:
   •   having knocked someone unconscious, you then decided to further hurt or kill them to punish them; or
   •   you knew of an intended intruder and set a trap to hurt or to kill them rather than involve the police,
you would be acting with very excessive and gratuitous force and could be prosecuted.

What if I chase them as they run off?
This situation is different as you are no longer acting in self-defense and so the same degree of force may not be reasonable. However, you are still allowed to use reasonable force to recover your property and make a citizen's arrest. You should consider your own safety and, for example, whether the police have been called. A rugby tackle or a single blow would probably be reasonable. Acting out of malice and revenge with the intent of inflicting punishment through injury or death would not.

Will you believe the intruder rather than me?
The police weigh all the facts when investigating an incident. This includes the fact that the intruder caused the situation to arise in the first place. We hope that everyone understands that the police have a duty to investigate incidents involving a death or injury. Things are not always as they seem. On occasions people pretend a burglary has taken place to cover up other crimes such as a fight between drug dealers.

How would the police and CPS handle the investigation and treat me?
In considering these cases Chief Constables and the Director of Public Prosecutions (Head of the CPS) are determined that they must be investigated and reviewed as swiftly and as sympathetically as possible. In some cases, for instance where the facts are very clear, or where less serious injuries are involved, the investigation will be concluded very quickly, without any need for arrest. In more complicated cases, such as where a death or serious injury occurs, more detailed enquiries will be necessary. The police may need to conduct a forensic examination and/or obtain your account of events.
To ensure such cases are dealt with as swiftly and sympathetically as possible, the police and CPS will take special measures namely:
   •   An experienced investigator will oversee the case; and
   •   If it goes as far as CPS considering the evidence, the case will be prioritised to ensure a senior lawyer makes a quick decision.
It is a fact that very few householders have ever been prosecuted for actions resulting from the use of force against intruders.

Beware Cold Callers

Lloyds customers should be on the lookout for a new sophisticated fraud that involves fraudsters sending fake bank letters.

This message relates to reports of persons cold calling in the Mid Devon area offering to tarmac areas of gardens. Residents are asked to exercise caution before agreeing to have works carried out by unsolicited doorstep callers. If you need works carried out, obtain three quotes from reputable businesses you trust, do not feel pressured into agreeing there and then, make your decision on who to use in your own time. Get recommendations from friends/family or via www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. If you have concerns an elderly or vulnerable neighbour is at risk or are concerned regarding cold callers operating in your area, report it to police. If someone knocks on your door and you are not sure, do not open it. You can also report concerns via http://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/consumers/rogue-traders-doorstep-crime/

The convincing letters being sent are a replica template from Lloyds and include their logo, address and signature from a customer service representative.
The letter tells recipients that there have been some “unusual transactions” on their personal account and asks them to call a number highlighted in bold to confirm they are genuine.
When victims call the number, an automated welcome message is played and the caller is asked to enter their card number, account number and sort code followed by their date of birth.Victims are then instructed to enter the first and last digit of their security number.
The fraud was spotted by the Daily Telegraph who was alerted to it by a reader who had three identical letters sent to an office address. On separate occasions the Daily Telegraph ran some tests using fake details and were passed to fraudsters who claimed to be from a Lloyds contact centre. The bank has confirmed that the phone number and letters are fake.
The letters are essentially a sophisticated phishing attempt and serves as a warning to consumers to question written correspondence from their banks.

If you are ever suspicious about correspondence from your bank you should call the customer serviced number on the back of their card.
To report a fraud and cyber crime, call us on 0300 123 2040 or visit http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

Published by Jim Enright ·

Thank you for your continued support of the Devon and Cornwall Police Community Messaging System.
PCSO 30341 Lisa Crocker from Crediton has been notified by Safety Partnership in Mid Devon District Council that a member of the public has received an email from the HMRC in Parliament Street, London. Within this email the HMRC advises the email recipient that they were entitled to a Council Tax refund over the last two years and that the person needed to click on "Refund" to complete a request form. Please note this is a SCAM. Council Tax is NOT handled by the HMRC. If in any doubt contact your Local Authority. DO NOT click onto the link within the email or provide any personal and banking details. Thank you.

Doorstep traders are reported as operating in the Mid Devon area, offering to carryout maintenance works like cleaning guttering, roof/tile work and gardening.

Can we ask all residents to Exercise Caution when opening the door to unexpected callers.

Work can often be of poor quality and cost far more than originally agreed.

Do not allow Cold Callers into your home, or take you to a cashpoint.

Always ask to see and check details of Identification.

Do not feel pressured into agreeing to having work carried out, if you do not want any work done ask them to leave and close your door, if they persist, call the police.

Try to note the registrations of any vehicles they may be using.

Recipients of Community Messaging are asked to make your more elderly and vulnerable neighbours about this message. Thank you

Please phone with any information on 101 or e-mail [email protected].

26th May 2016

Police have received a report of a letter purporting to be from the People's postcode Lottery.

The letter sent to a resident in Torrington told of them winning an substantial amount and gave Serial numbers to tickets bearing their name and giving contact details.

If you are a member of the Peoples Postcode Lottery, Do Not Be Fooled

If you receive such a letter, there are indications on the letter that do show it is a scam.

Do not ring any of the numbers given on the letter or give any personal, banking or card details.

If you are unsure as to the authenticity to letters of this nature, go to your local Police Station for assistance in confirming a scam. Thank you

"You may be aware that a couple of residential premises have recently been burgled in the Orchard Court area of the village, could I ask that you inform residents via NHW of the incident and that they remain vigilant to any suspicious behaviour/persons/vehicles etc, and also pay attention to security of their homes, ie ; doors locked, and windows closed etc, "

If anyone has any information that may assist with our enquiries then if they could ring 101 and quote CR/065495/16 or CR/065504/16

16th September 2016

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards have received reports which suggests rogue traders offering tool/knife sharpening are operating in the Devon area. We would advise residents to exercise caution before agreeing to any work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers. Work can often be of poor quality and cost more than first agreed. If you need to have tools etc. sharpened or any general maintenance works undertaken, take time to get three quotes from reputable businesses you trust and make your decision on who to use in your own time. Get recommendations from family or trusted friends or via
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. If someone knocks on your door and you are not sure, don't open the door. If you are concerned rogue traders are operating in your area, always report it. If you are concerned someone is at risk, always call the Police. Would recipients of Community Messaging make your elderly and vulnerable neighours aware of this message. Thank you.
http://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/consumers/rogue-traders-doorstep-crime/

17th March 2016

We have been made aware of the following scam.

Persons cold call residents by telephone telling the resident that they have been placed in the wrong council tax bracket for a number of years and are entitled to a rebate. The resident is told that in order to receive the rebate they will need to pay an administration fee in advance. The payment they ask for varies between £60-£350. The resident provides the details and makes the payment, but then is no longer able to make contact with the person they spoke to on the phone.

If you receive a similar call please hang up and do not give your card details.

If you have any concerns or information please phone 101. Please inform neighbours of this.