Telephone Scams
We have seen a vast increase in the number of telephone scams in recent weeks from fraudsters claiming to be from HMRC, TV Licencing, Amazon, Utility Companies and many others. What do most of these have in common? When they call you be it an automated call or a person on the phone, most will eventually ask you to press number 1 on your keypad to be connected to a particular department (Please do not do this).
Why did that department not contact you in the first instance? Because they need you to press 1. The most likely outcome is you will be connected to a premium rate phone line charging an extortionate rate for absolutely nothing at all.
Please take care and be wary of any unexpected phone calls.
If you receive a call and you think it is fraudulent then please report it to Action Fraud at this link.
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Latest Penalty Charge Scam emails
We have been sent copies of the latest Penalty Charge Scam emails (see attached). Although these can look official, they are designed to panic recipients into making a quick payment with the threat of the “fine” being quadrupled in a few days.
There are some simple checks you can make to ensure that you are getting genuine emails: 1. Is the email from an official email address? This one originates in Morocco and has a personal email address. geomedia.ma
2. Is the email written with good grammar and spelling? the date and timestarted below
3. Is it correctly spaced?
4. Does it state exactly where the “offence” took place?
5. Are you able to contact them? 0343 222 3331 temporarily unavailable
6. NEVER click on any links in the email
Attachments: penalty-charge-scam-email.pdf
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Operation Drive Insured 2020
Please read the attached document, which gives information about our latest campaign, Operation Drive Insured 2020, which runs between Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November. This campaign illustrates the impact uninsured drivers can have on people’s wellbeing. Some drivers knowingly driver without insurance, but are you mistakenly uninsured?
Attachments: operation-drive-insured-2020.pdf
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PCC launches poll to seek views on police enforcement of coronavirus regulations.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens has launched a one-question poll to understand local people’s views on police enforcement of the regulations set out by Government to reduce the spread of Coronavirus. Please see the attached document for more information and how to register your view.
Attachments: police-enforcement-covid-19-survey.pdf
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Drone used as officers recover stolen farming equipment in Somerset.
Police working as part of Operation Remedy are investigating after stolen farm equipment was recovered overnight using a drone to conduct a search.
Response officers were initially called to reports of a curtain sided lorry loading what was suspected to be a stolen tractor in a lane near Tintinhull, South Somerset at around 8.30pm yesterday (20 October).
The lorry was located heading into Wiltshire on the A303 and a John Deere tractor stolen from Puckington, near Ilminster was found inside. The driver, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of theft.
The force drone unit was then deployed to conduct a search for a second item suspected to have been stolen. A high value Manitou Telehandler was located hidden within a large hedge and has now been safety returned to its owner.
Stolen farming equipment hidden in a hedge was located using a drone and then recovered by officers, as shown in the body worn video footage here.
DI Scott Chadwick, investigating, said: “This is a fantastic example of how the use of technology, in combination with intelligence provided to us by the local community, can help us respond to suspected crimes in progress.
“We’re delighted to be able to return the stolen farming property to its owner so they can continue their essential work.
“We continue to urge anyone that spots any suspicious activity to report it to police on 101. If it is an emergency or you witness a crime in progress, please call 999.”
Anyone with information relating to this specific incident is asked to call 101, quoting reference 5219206787.
If you can help, please call 101and give the call handler the reference number 5219206787 You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111or via their Anonymous Online Form.
No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.
Attachments: 
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National campaign launched to prevent romance fraud
Police forces across the country are working together to fight romance fraud after a 26% increase in reports to the police and Action Fraud.
In one year, scammers are estimated to have stolen over £66 million. Please see the attached document for more information on how to prevent this crime.
Remember, as one victim said: “When Romance turns to Finance – Beware!”
Attachments: romance-fraud.pdf
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Rogue trader warning after Weston-super-Mare couple lose £2,000
I wanted to share the below message with you all, as although this occurred in and around Weston-Super-Mare, this could happen in any of our NHW areas at any time.
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Homeowners are being warned to be wary of rogue traders following an incident in Weston-super-Mare.
A couple, aged in the 70s and 80s, contacted a firm they found on a price comparison website offering a guttering cleaning service.
Two men turned up in a van at a property in the Hillside area of town at approximately 10.30am on Monday 7 September.
After inspecting the guttering, they told the couple the roof also required fixing before quoting a price of £3,500 for the job. They claimed to need a £2,000 cash payment to purchase materials, before returning to carry out the work.
Having received the cash, they left and never returned to the address.
Both men were white. One was described as wearing a dark black stretcher style earring with very short dark hair. The other appeared older and spoke with Irish accent.
Enquiries have been carried out and show a vehicle we are hoping to track down as part of our investigation. The van is described as being a white Ford Transit, with roof bars and a side bar. Following this incident, residents are encouraged to take note of the following crime prevention advice, particularly regarding being alert to rogue traders and distraction burglaries:
•Never open the door to an unexpected caller until you’ve checked their identification – use a door chain or viewer, intercom or a ‘smart’ doorbell. Genuine callers expect it.
•If you’re not sure, don’t open the door.
•Never agree to have work done or part with money on your doorstep and ideally get written quotes from at least two traders for any work. Always agree a start and finish date and agree a price before any work starts on your home.
•If you are suspicious of a caller tell us straight away – ring 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated, otherwise call 101.
•Store any high value items such as jewellery, passports and cash in a properly secured and hidden safe or bank vault.
•Keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room and never keep large sums of money in the house.
•If you see someone calling door-to-door, but only on frail or elderly neighbours, call 999 straight away.
•Ask a trusted neighbour to help you deal with unexpected callers.
•Look out for vulnerable and elderly neighbours and make sure they know what to do when they receive an unexpected caller.
•Join Neighbourhood Watch.
•If you think you’ve been deceived, are concerned about a trader or have any doubts call 101 or Citizens Advice Consumer Services.
Anyone who can help with our investigation, recognises seeing the van photographed or has experienced a similar incident, is asked to call 101 and give reference number 5220203810. Attachments: transit.pdf
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Renewed appeal for man missing for two months.
We’re renewing our appeal to trace Lawrence Kemp from Glastonbury who has now been missing for more than two months.
Officers are increasingly concerned for the welfare of Lawrence, who was reported missing on Monday night, 3 August.
He has left home without his wallet, bank cards, cash, motorbike or van. He hasn’t been in touch with family members since late on Saturday night, 1 August and hasn’t been into work, which is out of character.
Lawrence is 32 years old, white, about 170cm (5ft 8ins) tall and slim with a shaven head and a bushy brown beard. He has a tattoo on his right forearm that says “Fear kills happiness” and a tongue piercing. When last seen he was wearing a bright blue checked shirt with a lighter blue T shirt underneath.
The last confirmed sighting of him is in the early hours of Sunday 2 August in Benedict Street, Glastonbury.
Specialist police teams have carried out searches in and around Glastonbury, supported by dog handlers and a drone operator, but have found no trace.
His family have said: “Lawrence’s disappearance is highly out of character. As a family we are beyond worried, and are desperate to know if he is safe and well. He is a much loved son, brother, uncle and brother-in-law, who we are all used to seeing at least weekly. “Lawrence’s nephews and nieces are concerned and struggling to understand why and where he has gone, they miss him terribly. Please if anyone knows anything tell the police or Missing People charity.”
Lawrence, if you see this, please call your family, or ring 101. Everyone just wants to know that you are safe.
If you know where Lawrence is now, call 999 quoting reference 5220174041, or ring 101 with any other information
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Attempted Residential Burglary.
A property in Banwell Road, Locking, WSM has been the subject of an attempted burglary on the 26th at 3:30am. Two male offenders wearing hooded tops had attempted to kick in the door of the property but without success.
You can contact the Police on 101 quoting Reference number: 5220219447 stating NHW Release or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, thank you for your support.
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Crime Figures Updated
The crime have figures have just been updated on the local beat pages and can be found at the link below, as usual please insert your postcode to find details relevant to your area. You can also look at neighbouring areas should you wish.
Below the crime figures is a contact the team section, but this is for NON Emergencies.
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County Lines week of action leads to 16 arrests across Avon and Somerset
‘County Lines’ is a term used to describe how gangs in large cities export drugs to smaller areas of the country. The criminals will exploit young people or vulnerable residents and may even take over their home to use as a base, known as ‘cuckooing’.
Please read the attached document to hear about the results of the national week of action against County Lines drug dealing and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
Attachments: county-lines-week-of-action.pdf
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Attempted Residential Burglary.
A property in Banwell Road, Locking, WSM has been the subject of an attempted burglary on the 26th at 3:30am. Two male offenders wearing hooded tops had attempted to kick in the door of the property but without success.
You can contact the Police on 101 quoting Reference number: 5220219447 stating NHW Release or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, thank you for your support.
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Victim stories of County Lines drug dealing
You may have heard the words “County Lines” used in many interviews with police and politicians and in news reports, but do you know how it can affect people’s lives?
The attached document tells the stories of some of the victims of this crime and also gives hints on how to spot the signs of “cuckooing”, when the homes and lives of people are taken over by criminals.
Attachments: county-lines-drug-dealing.pdf
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Missing teenager found safe in Taunton
A missing teenager from Somerset has been found safe and well.
Ozzy Parsons, 16, was located by police in Taunton on Monday 14 September.
We’d like to thank everyone who assisted our enquiries by providing information and sharing our appeal.
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HM Courts & Tribunals Service Scam
We have been made aware very recently of a new scam.
An email is titled HM Courts & Tribunals Services and will state in the subject "Your Fixed Penalty Notice Ref:" followed by a series of numbers.
In the actual email itself it will explain the total cost is £25 with a delivery date of 7am to 7pm.
The location for the supposed offence simply states "United Kingdom"
I have attached a copy of the scam I received earlier to familiarise yourselves, the "Click here to Pay" link has been deactivated.
Please, if you receive this in your inbox do not fall for it and advise others that may be unaware.
Attachments: penalty-charge-notice-scam
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Police, camera, action, as open day goes virtual.
Due to the current virus situation, this years’ very popular Open Day is going online. Please see the attached document for details on what will be shown online from Sunday 20 September.
Attachments: open-day-goes-viral
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PCC calls out to local people to share their views on policing.
Do you have thoughts on your local police service?
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens wants to hear your views about police and crime services in your community.
Please see the attached document and follow the link to take the survey, which will help us understand which issues matter most to you.
Take the survey. Attachments: pcc-calls-out-to-local-people-to-share-their-views-on-policing and New link
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HMRC Scams (Ongoing - Remain Alert)
Fraudsters continue to contact residents claiming to be from HMRC (the Tax Office) claiming that they owe money and that an arrest warrant will be issued if they don’t hand over payment.
A Keynsham resident received a voicemail asking them to call back on a certain number, and when the resident called he was told that he owed money to HMRC and that he would be sent to court if he didn’t pay. The victim was told to purchase Amazon gift cards as the tax office was closed due to the Covid-19 virus and they couldn’t accept debit card payment. Sadly these were purchased and the codes and reference numbers were handed over during another call at significant cost, furthermore I have just been notified of a similar incident in Cheddar, however this time the Scam was spotted by a Neighbourhood Watch member.
These offenders are very convincing, using the fear of arrest to panic their victims into handing over payment for the non-existing debts. They may give passwords and fake identity names and “badge” numbers.
Be assured that HMRC will never telephone you threatening court proceedings as a first contact, and they certainly don’t take gift cards as a means of payment. If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately. If you are concerned contact your local tax office using a phone number from previous printed communication or from the phonebook. Never use a phone number provided by the scammer.
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WANTED: New PCSOs to join Avon and Somerset Police
Avon and Somerset Police launched a campaign to recruit new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on Thursday 3 September. Please distribute the attached document as widely as possible. It gives more information on this interesting and rewarding career.
Attachments: wanted-new-pcsos
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Theft from a Motor Vehicle.
A car has been broken into overnight on the 30th whilst parked in Meadow Croft, Hutton. The vehicle was parked on the roadside when the offender managed to gain entry via the doors, however no damage has been caused and once inside a couple of socket sets and work holdall together with a number of Spanners / Ratchets and Torque sockets have been stolen.
You can contact the Police on 101 quoting Reference number: 5220197861 stating NHW Release or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, thank you for your support.
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