Christmas Crime Prevention

Posted on By Pauline

This is the time of year when it’s getting darker earlier and people are preparing for Christmas by making more purchases. Regretfully we have had a number of police messages come through this week relating to local break-ins, vehicle thefts and in particular burglaries from outlying buildings. So it seems like a good time to remind everyone of the police advice:

  • Ensure homes and outlying buildings are fully locked when empty.
  • Invest in timer switches and security lights to help illuminate your home when you are not in. These are readily available from local shops and supermarkets. If you work full time, please be aware that on dull days, lights are now going on in houses from as early as 3.30pm. Homes in complete darkness will stand out as being unoccupied.
  • Ensure outside lights are working and that sensors are pointing in the appropriate directions.
  • Do not leave presents or expensive equipment on show or stacked up under the Christmas tree as these can be easily seen.
  • Do not tell people on social media that you are away.
  • Be aware of what you put out for recycling. Large TV or computer boxes will alert people to recent purchases. Turn these inside out or take them to the recycling centre instead.

Please pass on these messages to your neighbours. A well-lit and occupied street will help to deter opportunists.

Doorstep Callers in Northleach Again

Posted on By Pauline

We have just heard that there are some people going around Northleach knocking on doors and trying to sell things. This has been reported it to the police but please report it yourself if you wish. Below is previous communication from the police about this with some information on “Nottingham Knockers”, which is the generic term for this type of seller. A “no cold callers” sticker is attached that may be of use.

“This message comes to you from the Gloucestershire Constabulary. Our telephone number for non-emergencies is 101 and calls cost 15p each. Visit the Constabulary website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk.

This is a message from the North Cotswolds Local Policing Team. Please continue to encourage your members to report similar incidents in the future so that these door step sellers may be discouraged from entering Gloucestershire.

Here is the advice from the Local Policing Team and Neighbourhood Watch: Continue reading Doorstep Callers in Northleach Again

Doorstep Callers Advice

Posted on By Pauline

A few residents at East End have notified us that they had doorstep callers last weekend, claiming to be on a criminal / youth rehabilitation programme and selling household goods. Incidents have also been reported this week in Moreton. Commonly called the “Nottingham Knockers” they usually offer self-produced “permits” which are worthless. Genuine Pedlar’s Certificates are relatively hard to come by and the majority of these callers will not have one. One of the requirements for issuing a Pedlar’s Certificate is that the applicant does not have a criminal record, so anyone claiming to be on a “Criminal Rehabilitation Programme” should be a good warning. Many people feel intimidated by these callers and will buy goods just to get rid of them.

I have spoken to the Local Policing Team and Neighbourhood Watch and they have issued the following advice:

  • If possible do not answer the door to these people.
  • Never let them into your house for any reason.
  • Persons receiving a visit from these callers are asked to phone the Police at the time on 101, so that they can come out and check them over. Please do not assume that someone else will be making the call. (However, there may be times when there are insufficient resources available for this to be done)
  • The callers often say they have been trying a neighbours door – never share information with them. For example do not explain that people are on holiday or at work till late as they may use this information.
  • Please notify any neighbours or family members who you think may be vulnerable to these callers.

Kind regards,
Cat Crompton

Clerk
Northleach with Eastington Town Council

Scambusters – your guide to beating the scammers!

Posted on By Pauline

A scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your cash. There’s a scam out there for everyone. If you
let down your guard and think that you won’t be fooled, then you too could become a victim.
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and aim to con us all. Bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, get-rich quick schemes and fake health cures are some of the favoured means of separating the unwary from their money.

But the number of scams just keeps on growing. If you think you have been the victim of a scam,
or suspect a scam, see the back page for what to do. No matter how small the amount of money
you have lost. It is important that the scamsters are stopped.

Read on to find out how to protect yourself………………

Distraction Burglaries

Posted on By Pauline

Distraction burglary is a despicable crime as the offenders target the most vulnerable members of our society; these people will try anything to trick their way into victim’s homes.

“We the Police will, of course, do all we can to locate the offenders and to investigate this matter fully as we continue to crack down on distraction burglaries across Gloucestershire.

“We would urge members of the public to take extra care of their elderly neighbors simply by watching out for anyone suspicious loitering around or perhaps challenging someone you don’t recognise calling at an elderly neighbor’s house.

“Gloucestershire Constabulary is working with vulnerable and elderly people to make them aware of the methods of distraction burglaries and advise them what to do if a stranger calls, but we need your help. Working together we can ensure vulnerable members of our community are safe and those who prey on them are locked up.”

Crime Prevention advice –

The following simple steps will help reduce the possibility of being targeted by bogus callers:

  • If someone knocks on your door check who it is by looking through a window or peep hole.
  • If it is not someone you know or trust or a business caller who has made a pre-arranged appointment, do not open the door.
  • This advice applies whatever uniform the caller appears to be wearing or ID card they are carrying and however urgent their business claims to be.
  • Tell unexpected callers to leave and come back later at an agreed time when you can have someone with you.
  • In the meantime, check their credentials by calling the organisation they claim to represent. Do so by looking up the number in the phone book rather than relying on the one on their card as this could simply put you through to an accomplice of a potential offender.
  • Genuine staff from utility companies won’t mind waiting while you do this or will call back later
  • Watch if the caller appears to be in a hurry and never feel pressured or embarrassed into letting someone in.
  • The golden rule is ‘if in doubt, keep them out’.

We would like to take this opportunity to urge the community to contact Police immediately if they are suspicious of people calling at their house. We would much rather receive calls of suspicious circumstances that turn out to be legitimate than see the residents of Gloucestershire become victims of bogus callers.

Officers from your local Safer Community Team are available to offer you further crime prevention advice. If you would like to meet a local officer contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234.