Thu, Feb 9, 2012

Warning

Rogue traders are reportedly cold calling in Leigh Park and the surrounding area of Hampshire claiming residents need to replace their TV aerial in order to receive the digital TV signal. However, most people with a good aerial now, will not need a new aerial for switchover and remember, there is no such thing as a ‘digital aerial'.

Whether you need a new aerial for switchover will depend on the condition of your current aerial and where you live. If you currently have poor reception on your analogue TV, then you may need to replace your aerial at switchover. A small number of households may also need a wideband aerial to receive all the channels available. To find out if this affects you visit www.digitaluk.co.uk/youraerial or call 08456 50 50 50.

Trading Standards would advise consumers not to agree to any work that is instigated as a result of a cold call or via a leaflet drop. If you do need to replace your rooftop aerial, look for a Registered Digital Installer (RDI), who has been trained and security checked. To find an RDI near you visit www.rdi-lb.co.uk or call the Digital UK advice line on 08456 50 50 50.

Please note, if you are over 75, disabled or on certain benefits you may be eligible for help from the Switchover Help Scheme. This means you could get one TV set at your home switched to digital for just £40. Those who are entitled to help should have already received a letter and information pack though the post, but to check if you are eligible please visit www.helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 85 900.

And finally, if anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling claiming TV aerials need to be replaced or any other doorstep crime issue they should contact Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service

Quick Response Team on 01962 833666

(Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs) where specially trained officers are on hand to provide advice.

Thefts from vehicles

Andover Rural Police have received reports of two thefts from vehicles today. One was on a farm and one was a parent collecting their child from school.

I want to remind you all to be vigilant and DO NOT leave any valuables in your vehicles no matter how inconvenient it is. A locked vehicle will not deter a thief if they can see a handbag/bag or any valuables.

Regards

Lisa Flowers PCSO 14858 Stockbridge Safer Neighbourhoods Team 0845 045 45 45

lisa.flowers@hampshire.pnn. police.uk

From: Doorstep Crime [doorstep.crime@hants. gov.uk ]
Sent: 12 December 2011

Doorstep Crime - Driveways

Hampshire County Council is warning of untrustworthy cold callers following reports in the New Forest. Residents are called on and asked if they want their drive resurfaced by a company recommended by the council and its maintenance partner, Amey.

Hampshire County Council maintains Hampshire's public highways and footways, working with Amey, Hampshire County Council's maintenance partner, and has no responsibility for maintenance of private streets .

Residents who see any suspicious callers in their area can contact the County Council's Trading Standards Quick Response Team (QRT), who will aim to confront the trader while still in the area, or when scheduled to return. The objective is by catching the culprits red-handed and by intervening in cases of shoddy or overpriced work on their homes and gardens, the QRT are able to protect residents from potentially handing over thousands of pounds.

This warning follows an incident in the Lymington area where individuals have been calling on residents offering to tarmac drives, claiming that they are acting on behalf of Hampshire County Council and Amey.

Trading Standards advise consumers not to agree to work as a result on a cold call or via a leaflet drop. Consumers should obtain at least 3 written quotes from reputable businesses or traders who belong to a recognised trade association, such as the Hampshire County Council 's Buy With Confidence Scheme. Details of this scheme can be obtained by telephoning 01962 833620, via email at buy.with.confidence@hants.gov. uk or via the website www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Traders who agree to do work at someone's home are required by law to provide a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives consumers a 7 day cooling off period. Work should not commence until this period has ended, unless written agreement is first obtained from that consumer beforehand.

If anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime they can contact Hampshire County Council's

Quick Response Team on 01962 833666
(Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs)

where specially trained officers are on hand to provide assistance.

If urgent assistance is required outside of these hours please contact Hampshire Police on 0845 045 4545.

Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service
Montgomery House Monarch Way
Winchester Hampshire SO22 5PW
Tel: 01962 833620
Fax: 01962 833698

DOMESTIC ABUSE INFORMATION FOR NEWSLETTER

At this time of year, sadly a lot of the calls made to the police are where there is violence and abuse happening between partners, ex-partners or family members. Domestic abuse occurs in all communities and is very distressing for all those concerned.

It is never easy to leave an abusive or controlling relationship, but no-one should have to put up with living with violence and abuse. As well as help being available for the ones on the receiving end of the abuse, there is also help for those who find they are lashing out at a loved one.

Information about local and support is available for victims, perpetrators of the abuse and children and young people living in these households through internet sources, such as, www.hdaf.org.uk or you can access national support services such as Women's Aid or the Men's Advice line, details of which are listed below.

If you are worried about a neighbour you can call 0845 045 4545 / 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you would prefer to report concerns anonymously. In all emergency situations though please call 999 immediately.

Women's Aid: 0808 200 247

Men's Advice line (for male victims of domestic abuse): 0808 801 0327

Broken Rainbow (for LGBT victims of domestic abuse): 0300 9995428

Respect (help for those who are concerned about their controlling or abusive behaviour): 0808 802 4040

Local domestic abuse support group: 07810 430689

From: < sue.gibson@hampshire.pnn. police.uk >

Date: Thu, Dec 8, 2011

Festive troubles

Dear All,

Whilst the run up to Christmas for many is happy and full of festive cheer, for others it is a time of worry, loneliness and fear.

I have covered the subject of Domestic Abuse with most watches around the County, and I would like to take a moment before the festivities truly begin to ask your members to spare a thought for neighbours, colleagues or loved ones whom they know, overhear or suspect may suffer from being abused.

Domestic Abuse comes in different forms, not always physical, but emotional, financial, sexual and psychological, the effect this can have on a person or the children within a family is devastating and I would ask that you forward the following message and remind members that they can report abuse via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or directly to the Police on 101 for non emergencies and 999 in an emergency .

Many thanks.

Regards

Sue Gibson

From: < sue.gibson@hampshire.pnn. police.uk >
Date: Fri, Nov 4, 2011 at 12:06 PM

The subject of Theft

I have been looking at the subject of Theft and the types of things that have been stolen from around the Force area.

Whilst I was sorry but expected to see the usual list of shop lifting, especially on the run up to Christmas, and the businesses/commercial buildings that have suffered from lead thefts, tile thefts, scrap metal thefts and fuel theft, there were numerous other items which have been taken from personal properties which I would like to share with you, and in turn your members, in the hope that we can prevent some of these occurrences.

Purses, wallets, bus passes, mobile phones
Perhaps the best advice is to keep bags closed when out and about and secure about your person, not on the end of a trolley, not on the back or underneath of a pushchair, if you are a student, keep your bag with you at school all the time, do not leave in an unlocked school/college locker. If you work in an office or business where people are coming and going make sure your bags are secure and phones are not left on desks/work spaces where they can be quickly removed. If you are using a cashpoint make sure you hide your pin number and put any withdrawn cash straight into your wallet or purse, do not wander away from the machine with cash on display. If you are in a pub, club or at a party, do not leave your personal items unattended, not everyone is able to leave a temptation alone.

Garden ornaments
Expensive garden ornaments could be put out of the way of passers by, whilst it is lovely to have things to brighten up the garden, think about defensive planting to stop people entering the garden and removing what you have spent a lot of money on. Perhaps the ornament would look best in the back garden?

Doorstep Deliveries
At this time of year, we are thinking about internet shopping or fresh produce deliveries or perhaps you are awaiting new white goods - please ensure you are in when they are due to be delivered, there have been many instances where deliveries have been dropped off and the purchasers have not received them as they have been out or distracted when the goods were delivered and the items were stolen. If you are unable to be at home when the goods are coming, most companies will deliver to a neighbour, do not put a note on the door as this wilL advertise that you are out, but try to make an arrangement with the company prior to delivery - make sure the person taking the goods in for you knows what you have arranged!

Moving Home
There have been instances where goods have been left on a driveway or on a porch whilst boxes of possessions are being moved into or out of a property. It may be worth having one person outside with your goods whilst you are inside thus removing the opportunity for someone to sneak up the driveway and steal your personal items. Think about closing lorry doors or vehicle boots when going back into the property.

Other peculiarities
Here is a list of some of the more unusal thefts, if you would like information about how to secure particular items or general security advice then please ask your local Safer Neighbourhood Team who will be happy to assist, they can also access the Crime Prevention Officers for the Force who will have more specialist knowledge if required.

• Fuel tanks from boats
• Metal Shelving
• Front offside tyre
• Front Doorbells
• Vehicle Number Plates
• Bathroom Showers
• Dinghy's Porta loos
• Granite blocks
• Wheelie Bins
• Glass collection bins
• Milk
• Wheelchairs
• Copper Cabling
• Chain securing gates

Whilst Hampshire is still a very safe place to live and work, most of these thefts were opportunistic and perhaps if we send a reminder to everyone, future opportunistic thefts can be prevented. As always if you see anything suspicious when out and about, or looking up and down your road please call 101 or 0845 045 45 45 . Thank you. Regards Sue Gibson Force Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Partnerships & Neighbourhoods Public Services Hampshire Constabulary 0845 0454545

From: Doorstep Crime
Sent: 28 October 2011 14:32

Warning from Trading Standards telephone cold calling

Rogue Traders are currently telephone cold calling vulnerable residents in the County. The caller is unknown but believed to be male and very threatening. He has told residents that they had subscribed to a telephone monitoring service and had run up bills of between £3,500 - £6,000 and defaulted on the payment. They are then asked for immediate payment over the phone by card. When they question this they have been told that unless they pay up they will be arrested within hours by the Metropolitan Police and transported to the Queens Court in London.

Anyone receiving these calls should hang up and are advised to register with anonymous call barring from their telephone provider or to consider changing their telephone number and keeping their number ex directory.

If anyone has any information about traders who are cold calling or requires any advice on doorstep crime they can contact Hampshire County Council's

Quick Response Team on 01962 833666

(Monday – Friday 0900hrs to 1700hrs)

where specially trained officers are on hand to provide assistance.

If urgent assistance is required outside of these hours please contact Hampshire Police on 0845 045 4545 .

Date: Tue, Oct 4, 2011 at 9:34 AM

Burglary Operation

Saturday the 1st October 2011 saw the launch of Hampshire Constabulary's Operation Nemesis. Operation Nemesis is a force-wide campaign targetting burglars operating within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You may recall our last Operation Nemesis which had very good results, hopefully with help from residents we will have another good response this year and be able to put a few more nae'r do wells behind bars.

The whole force as one team will tackle burglary as a priority over the next three months, ACC/TO Laura Nicholson said, “Operation Nemesis will enable a planned and coordinated approach across the force to tackling burglary and other acquisitive crime involving prolific offenders or where it is becoming a force wide problem.

A strong presence in every neighbourhood across the two counties by all parts of the Constabulary will deliver prevention and enforcement activity We will work with partners to target prolific offenders and tackle the causes of their criminal behaviour reducing the likelihood of them reoffending. This operation is about coordination and working together as one force and fully utilising the resources we have available to us.”

Please could I ask you to all work with us over this operational period and ask your members to be extra vigilant as to what is happening in their roads. ANY suspicious activity should be called in to the Police on the 101 or 0845 045 45 45 numbers and please ask your members and co-ordinators to state that they are in Neighbourhood Watch. As always should any of your members have information that they wish to impart anonymously then they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 .

Sue Gibson

Force Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator

On Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 11:34 AM,

Breaks into Outbuildings

<richard.jewell@hampshire.pnn.police.uk> wrote:

Just to make you aware that Longparish has suffered a number of breaks into outbuildings over the last week- four in total. It seems to be centred over there at the moment but perhaps you could wake up your locals!

On Thu, Jul 21, 2011 at 9:08 PM, from Richard Ryder

Beware of credit card thieves operating in Andover.

A blond young woman distracts you as you get intoyour car after shopping by asking directions to London on a map.

A swarthy short man about 30 yrs old steals your bagor purse from your car or your pocket and knows exactly which credit cards togo for.

This happened in the multi-storey car park in Andover around 12.30 on Saturday.We reported it to the police who say it has happened before.

They said the thieves can stand behind you in thesuper market queue, see you pay and then follow you back to the car, distractyou whilst the theft goes on.

Do circulate this if you feel it appropriate please Jackie.

Karen actually retrieved all her cards this timeafter attacking the man who was immediately behind her as her back was turned ‘helping’the woman on the bonnet of the adjacent car. A couple called out to Karenwarning her of what was happening.

She is now OK – a little shaken initiallythough.

Thanks, Richard

PREVENTING THEFT OF HEATING FUEL.

•  When the price at the pumps rises the price for domestic fuel usually follows suit. When this happens, be extra vigilant because those that steal it don't want to pay the same high prices everyone else does.

•  Check the level of your fuel regularly. Many victims don't know the crime has happened until they have ‘run out'. And many incidents have occurred just after a tank has been refilled.

•  Make sure that your oil tank is not visible from the road, and if it is, then fences, trellis, trees or (thorn) hedging can be used to make the oil tank less visible to passing traffic.

•  If you have a drive with gates, then keep them closed when away from the property. Consider installing security gates at your property to restrict access and protect the area where your oil tank is kept.

•  Use a security light placed near the oil tank that will come on if there is any movement near the tank.

•  Small infra-red cameras are fairly cheap these days. A covert camera to record the number plates of any vehicles entering your driveway could help. It may not stop thieves but may help to trace them later. Placing a highly visible camera (or dummy camera) on your house may act as a deterrent to opportunist thieves.

•  Fit a good strong lock ; although be aware that plastic tanks can be drilled which may lead to other problems; insurers have advised against this as determined crooks will just do more damage to the tank! Not only do you have to buy a new oil tank but you may have an environmental problem cleaning up the spilt oil.

•  Use a product like the Watchman Sonic Alarmed , this monitors the oil level and sends a radio signal to a receiver inside the house. It can also detect when the oil level drops dramatically such as would happen if there were a leak or theft and alerts the receiver unit.

•  Be vigilant. If there is a tanker or suspicious vehicle in the area, monitor what they are doing. Most thieves are using oil tankers or large vans with equipment. Listen for the sound of an electric pump coming from the vehicle as this is how they siphon fuel from the tank.

•  Report any suspicious activity to the police.

•  It is still possible that even after all these security changes, a determined thief could still come along and steal your oil but if you make it difficult for them they will probably go elsewhere.

Pc Richard Jewell.

June 3. 2011

Distraction Thefts

It has come to my attention that there are some unscrupulous people who are committing distraction thefts within the County.

Unlike the usual distraction burglaries, these criminals are asking for assistance from people around or within shopping areas - usually car parks. Whist the kindly member of the public is helping, their money/credit cards inside their cars are beingstolen.

Whilst I would not like to stop members of the public helping others, unfortunately in this instance it is this 'kindness' which is leading to people being relieved of their hard earned cash and credit/store cards.

To this end please could I ask that you pass the following information round to your members:

• When shopping, never leave your bag on the trolley unattended
• When putting shopping away in the boot of your vehicle always ensure your handbag/wallet is with you
• If you are distracted for even a moment whilst putting shopping away - keep handbags with you or lock them in the vehicle BEFORE speaking/helping anyone.
• If asked for directions or to look at maps/items - ENSURE you lock personal items in the vehicle first.
• When filling up with petrol or diesel, lock your vehicle, when it comes to pay, unlock the vehicle, take your payment out, re-lock the vehicle and then go to pay.
• If your bag has a zip or other way of doing it up - please use it, do not leave purses/wallets on view.
• If you have helped someone - take a quick look in your bag after to make sure your purse/wallet is still there and the money/cards are still within it - if not call your bank/credit card companies/store card stores immediately and also call the Police as soon as possible.

Thieves know ALL the tricks, they know ALL the hiding places - you may think that under the seat is hidden or in the boot is ok - it isn't, thieves know where to look - it takes them seconds to relieve you of your goods/money/possessions. Laptops are not safe in the boot, sat navs are not safe in the glove box. Handbags or wallets left on the passenger seat can be whipped away very quickly.

Regards

S Gibson

May 12, 2011

Doorstep Crime

Subject: Warning from Trading Standards - telephone call re: Council Tax

It has been brought to the attention of Hampshire Trading Standards Service that residents are receiving telephone calls stating: that, as their payment records for paying the Council Tax over the past few years has been impeccable, the Government has agreed to make an immediate refund. Could they please provide bank details to enable a bacs transfer to be made.

Could we please remind everyone, to be on your guard and not to supply or confirm any personal, banking or card details to anyone who makes contact with you.

If you have any concerns regarding this information or similar cold calling matters, please do not hesitate to contact our:

Quick Response Team on 01962 833666.

Response to PC Jewell's warning

Many thanks for thinking of us, Richard. I saw the piece in the Advertiser this morning, as I hope did other residents, and we will be on our guard. However, I will send this reply out on the rounds to remind folk to keep their tools safely tucked away and sheds securely locked.

While writing, Goodworth Clatford seems to be being targetted by unscrupulous sales people by phone this week. They are offering 'free' burglar alarm systems using 'doing a crime survey' as an opening line to draw people in. I have been in regular touch with Sue Gibson and Trading Standards but it seems nothing can be done until they break the law. They are working through a loophole currently which makes many people very unhappy.

I will continue to ask people to be very wary of callers with 'unavailable', 'international' or 'withheld' numbers when they answer the phone and not to disclose any personal information. A simple no thank you and replace the receiver seems to be our only defence until the law is tightened up.

Jackie Gtey (NHW)

Date: Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 3:51 PM

Car number plate cloning fraud

Dear members & supporters,

There have been some recent reports of car number plate cloning fraud. This is where criminals will fit a car with a 'clone' of your number plate so that if their car is involved in an accident or an offence such as speeding, your car ends up 'taking the blame' for the incident. This could result in heavy financial losses or even criminal charges. You can read more here at the This Is Money website: http://bit.ly/kYFSgC

Drivers who have number plates stolen or cloned should report the crime immediately to the police. Those who receive unexplained speeding or parking tickets should contact the issuing authority promptly.

Drivers who fall victim more than once should ask the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency if they can re-register their car with a new number.

Catherine Dunn

Information & Database Officer, NHWN

Please see below an example of a SCAM EMAIL. I have removed the email address and changed the identity of the 'supposed' sender.

It would appear that unscrupulous people are hacking into email users addresses and sending what seems to be quite plausible emails requesting financial help. Apparently the hacker sends a message like the one below to the contacts in your address book asking for help. as the email appears to come from someone you know, from an email address you know there is a temptation to believe that your 'friend' has a 'real' problem - THEY DON'T THESE ARE SCAMS AND AS SUCH SHOULD BE DELETED STRAIGHT AWAY. However if you are concerned that a friend may be in trouble, my advice is to find another way to contact them, to satisfy yourself that all is well and also to inform them that their email address book is being used fraudulently.

I have highlighted the areas in the email below which point to a badly written email which doesn't ring true. Please can I ask you to pass this information onto your members.

Sue Gibson
Force Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
Partnerships & Neighbourhoods
Service Delivery Department
Hampshire Constabulary
0845 0454545
CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555111

For information on The Hampshire Neighbourhood Watch Association please visit their website on: www.hantsnwa.org.uk or visit the Hampshire Neighbourhood Watch Association FACEBOOK page

********PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IS A SCAM EMAIL *********

forwarded for information purposes only.

Tue, Jun 14, 2011

LEAD STOLEN FROM BROUGHTON CHURCH ROOF

Just to let you know that Broughton church had 6 strips of lead stolen from its roof at the weekend. It was coded but I wonder if that will make any difference?

I hope that everyone will remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the church immediately.

Jackie Grey

May 20, 2011

Warning to innocent sellers of vehicles

Dear All,

It has come to my attention that innocent sellers of vehicles, particularly motorbikes are being targetted. It would appear that sellers are being asked to come out of their home area to Hampshire and other Counties to show the bikes to potential 'buyers'.The 'buyers' are usually met outside in a residential area. The 'buyer' asks for a test drive and where the owners have agreed, the bikes are ridden off never to be seen again.

Can I ask you to do two things with this information.

1) Ensure all your members are informed of this type of crime. There are various reputable websites which give information on how to sell your vehicle/motorbike safely and the pitfalls to avoid.

2) Please ask all members to report all suspicious activity to the Police - especially if vans/trailers are seen hanging around a neighbourhood that aren't usually part of the scenery, or if homeowners are asked by unknown people for postcodes or road names.

If you are thinking of selling a motorbike then make sure you deal with reputable companies for advertising and have a note of all identifiable numbers/marks on the bike. For further information please see the links below:

Office of Fair Trading (OFT): http://www.oft.gov.uk/oft_and_cd

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles.aspx

Direct.Gov web page: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring

The basic details of a vehicle can be checked on the web site: http://www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk

MOT test certificates can be checked at: http://www.motinfo.gov.uk or by phoning 0870 330 044

Bank payments advice. (CHAPS): http://www.apacs.org.uk/payment_options

Financial Services Authority: http://www.fsa.gov.uk Go to the FSA Register or clickhere

Trading Standards: http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk Consumer Direct: 08454 040506

Kind regards

Sue Gibson