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Latest Safer Neighbourhood Team Newsletters

Wimborne Town SNT Newsletter - Feb

- WCHW "Update" and ADW "Keepsafe" Spring Newsletters - see Home Watch page (about halfway down)

28 July 10

Yesterday afternoon, 27 July, a vigilant neighbour disrupted some rogue traders who were preying on an elderly and vulnerable lady in the Wesley Road area. Fortunately no offences were committed and we were able to stop and check the workmen and their vehicle not too far away.
Please would members keep an eye on any vulnerable neighbours for this type of activity.
Dorset Police and Dorset County Council Trading Standards want to hear about rogue traders and suspicious callers. We would rather deal with a false alarm with good intent than a victim of what is an extremely distressing crime.
Thanks,
Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

23 July 10 SKY Scam

This is an information message. Dorset Police would like to advise you of a scam two Dorset residents have reported to Trading Standards. Letters or calls are received from persons claiming to be calling on behalf of SKY offering satellite system insurance. Residents are asked for banking details and direct debits amounts are then taken monthly from their accounts. The telephone number provided by the caller and the insurance policies do not exist. If you receive a call please check the callers identity by asking for verification of the company for whom they work before agreeing to anything over the phone. Do not give out personal banking details over the phone; if they are legitimate they should already have your details on record. Please pass this information on to friends and neighbours. Thank you.

23 July 10

On the evening of 21 July Matt and I disrupted some vandals who were digging holes in Oliver's Park. They were made to repair the damage and given some strong words of advice.
Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

22 July 10 Home Security Scam

This is an information message. In the past few days Dorset Police have received a large numbers of calls from members of the public advising them of suspicious telephone calls they have received. The callers have been asking occupants questions about their home security and what type of property they live in. A large number of them have also been asked for their age and on some occasions they have been asked for bank details and offered alarm systems for sale. The callers appear to be targeting elderly residents. Please do not give out personal details to callers over the phone. Do not accept offers of alarm fitting over the phone. If you wish to purchase an alarm, wherever possible seek personal recommendations. Some companies operate high pressure selling tactics so do not be bullied into allowing them to visit you at home. If you would like security advice please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Please pass this message on to friends and neighbours. Thank you.

15 July 10

Over last weekend there was some damage to the decorative fencing in the play area at Oliver's Park, Cutlers Place. I'm not sure exactly how this happened but if you see people swinging on or kicking fencing or other items please do call us. It may seem like a minor matter but it is going to cost the Parish Council somewhere in the region of £200 to repair.

Also last weekend, Saturday night, there were substantial gatherings of young people on the grounds of St Michael's Middle School. No offences were committed but there was an incredible amount of litter and broken glass. Two of those responsible were caught and they came back Sunday morning and spent two hours clearing up.

I've said it before but I'll say it again - we would rather get a call at the time and try to prevent these incidents. It's far better than chasing up Monday morning.
Thanks,
Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

New Telephone Scam WARNING from a member:

I received a call from a 'representative' of BT, informing me that he was disconnecting me because of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment immediately of £31, or it would be £118 to re-connect at a later date. The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental..!!

I asked the guy's name - the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152.

Obviously the fella realized I wasn't believing his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone - he would disconnect my phone to prevent this.

AND HE DID!! My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again.

Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made & he said credit card, there & then.

I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him, I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT.

He hung up. Did 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number - not recognised.

I phoned the police to let them know, I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently but it is escalating.

Their advice was to let as many people know by word of mouth of this scam. The fact that the phone does go off would probably convince some people it's real, so please let as many friends & family aware of this.

This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800152 which takes you through to BT Business. The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear you trying. (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back. You could almost be convinced! The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and vulnerable. Obviously, if this scam is real, once they have your credit/debit card details, there is nothing to stop them cleaning out your account.

8 July 10

The Association of Dorset Watches and Dorset Police wish to advise you of a recent scam that has been targeting business owners by offering them advertising space in fictitious Home Watch, charity or emergency services brochures. Consumer Direct have confirmed this is an on-going scam. The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network wish to make clear they do not produce local brochures or contract with other companies to do so. Please be aware that this is just one example of the many tricks that scammers try. You are advised to never deal with anyone over the phone until you have confirmed that they are legitimate, however plausible they may seem. Anyone wishing to prevent unsolicited calls may register with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707. If you have received a call of a similar nature it should be reported to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, and not Dorset Police. Thank you.

7 July 10

Firstly, a warm welcome to our new Home Watch group in Marshfield.

Secondly a round up of crimes from the last few weeks.
Back on 9th June the One Stop in Dales Drive was broken into overnight. A man was subsequently arrested in Somerset and linked to this offence forensically. He has been charged with numerous offences in both Dorset and the Avon & Somerset area.
A young man was found smoking cannabis on Leigh Common he has been dealt with for the offence.
On the evening of Sat 12th June an unlocked bike was stolen from a driveway in Vineries Cl. No need to make the obvious comment here I trust.
Overnight Mon 14th June a number of cars on a garage forecourt were subject to vandalism in the centre of Colehill.
Unfortunately a van was broken into on the driveway of a property in the Lonnen Rd area on the afternoon of Tues 15th June. Tools were stolen but no one was seen.
Finally a double glazed window was broken sometime over last weekend, it appears by a stone thrown from the street. This was in Middlehill Rd, again no one seen.
A bit of a mixed bag but a couple of good arrests, which is always nice to report to you. Some vandalism occurring and I would appeal to you to report suspicious or anti-social behaviour at an early stage so we can intercept people before they commit offences.
Thanks,
Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

4 June 10

Further to my message yesterday it would appear that two cars were broken into in The Vineries. Once again bags were left on view and although nothing of value was stolen the inconvenience of having the car damaged is still the same.
As we go into what promises to be a lovely weekend please remember to be vigilant about home and car security particularly when out enjoying the countryside.

Last night in the Cranfield Ave/Wesley Rd area a number of cars were damaged. Owing to the quick thinking of a number of residents the offender was apprehended nearby and arrested.

I hope everyone enjoys the sun this weekend.
Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

3 June 10

Colehill:
Here is a round up of recent crimes for your information.
On 22nd May there was a disturbance in the street in Marshfield during which a car was damaged. This turned out to be domestic related, one person was arrested and the case is ongoing.
Unfortunately St Michael's Middle School has seen some unwelcome attention in the last few weeks. Some playground sports equipment was damaged one night in the middle of the week. Then over the Bank Holiday weekend a mobile classroom was broken into but nothing was stolen, it is believed the offender was deterred by the alarm.
Also over the Bank Holiday in the Beaucroft La area there was an attempt to steal a good quality Ifor Williams trailer from a garden. The thieves were thwarted by the security measures in place.
There were some problems at Glynville Court overnight earlier this week which resulted in some damage being caused to the premises. An arrest was made and enquiries are ongoing.
An insecure vehicle was broken into in The Vineries and the CD player stolen. This happened sometime between Monday and Wednesday this week.

We can see from these crimes that where people have had security in place it has worked and where people have left themselves vulnerable they have become victims - enough said, I think !
Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

20 May 10

Sorry to report that Anita Rigler has left the Police service, for pastures new. We wish her well. She says: "I have to say that is has not only been a pleasure working with you all but an absolute privilage. I like to think our joint, considerable effort over the past 14 years has made a substantial difference to the lives of our members and for some parts of Dorset being the safest place in the country." We would like to thank her for her tireless support of all things 'Home Watch'. Ed.

20 May 10

For information only - During the past fortnight a container located in a rural area to the west of Colehill holding garden machinery has been broken into. The method of entry was by cutting various chains on a number of gates and the container itself. Thousands of pounds of equipment was stolen.
I have been informed by one of our local councillors that they had noticed during their public engagements that some residents in Colehill are leaving keys in their front doors. I'm sure this is a very small minority of you but we are coming into the height of the summer season so please do remember to remove them. Whilst on the subject of summer crime prevention please remember to secure your property when leaving it unattended.
Colehill is the safest place in the country to live, lets work together to keep it that way.
Matthew Johnson, Colehill SNT

13 May 10

I am seeing reports from concerned residents in the Wimborne area of males calling door to door begging for money. The report today suggested he was Polish.
I have a translation by a Verwood NHW member:

(There is also a download version [20kB] ).

FOR POLISH DOOR STEP CALLERS

We will not purchase from callers at the door
My nie kupujemy od nikogo nieznanego na progu domu

We will not give you any money
My nie dajemy zadnych pieniedzy dla obcych ludzi

Please do not return
Prosze tutaj wiecej nie przychodziè

Thank you
Dziekuja

If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you

26 Apr 10

Dorset County Council Road Safety Department have issued dates for driver awareness courses.
If you wish to book a course please do so direct to Dorset County Council. Thank you.
The following Driver Refresher Courses are free to attend - booking is essential as places are limited.
To book your place email roadsafety@dorsetcc.gov.uk or contact the Road Safety Team on 01305 224558

Wed
16 June. 9.30am or 2pm, Wimborne - Allendale Centre Hanham Road BH21 1AS

Mon
21 June, 9.30am, Poole Upton House - The Study

regards, Sue Virgin, Senior Road Safety Officer, Traffic Safety, Environment Directorate, Dorset County Council

13 Apr 10

Dorset has seen a recent rise in thefts from vehicles left at beauty spot car parks.
Could I please remind you and anyone you know who may enjoy the countryside not to leave valuables in vehicles. If members could just reassess their security prior to going for a walk then a lot of upset for victims and distruption could be prevented. For example when a handbag is stolen, apart from the distruption of cancelling all credit and debit cards, it usually contains house and garage keys and victims usually have to go to the expense of changing all the locks on their home.
Do you need to take the sat nav when going for a local walk?
Just a few questions to consider.

I have attached a poster some drivers like to display as a clear warning to offenders: download
Regards, Anita Rigler

12 Apr 10

Please could you all be aware that there has been 2 distraction burglaries today. One in St Catherines Wimborne the other in Creekmoor Poole. Both descriptions of offenders appear the same and therefore at this stage we are linking the two offences.
Reported that 3 males in a black Renault called at these homes saying they were from the water board and needed access to turn off the water and drain the taps. One male then asked for change of £5 as he needed to leave the change for the plumber to change the washer. Whilst distracted cash was stolen from the home.
All said to be stocky build about 5'10 tall one with ginger cropped hair the other dark hair.
Incident number 301 dated 12 April refers. Please encourage members to use the 999 system if they are at all unsure about callers to their door which may match the MO of this message.

f you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Regards, Anita Rigler

12 Apr 10
Over the last couple of weeks we have had a number of calls relating to door step cold callers, particularly from the utility companies.
While these people represent the relevant utility company they are often employed by a third party marketing company. Their job is sales and they can be quiet forceful.
Make sure you ask to see identification and do not let them in your house unless you are absolutely satisfied thay are genuine.
Our advice is not to buy goods or services from cold callers at the door.
Regards, Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

30 Mar 10
All PC users:
I have received calls from several members to say they have received a cold call by telephone from a foreign person about their computer. Some have said the person, believed Indian, is purporting to be from Microsoft others this is not mentioned. Reports vary a little but most have a common theme that this cold caller is saying there is a problem with their computer and they can fix it remotely with access to your computer.

This is a message from a computer expert:
"There are two threats here.
One is that the caller will try to coax the consumer to give credit card details for a nominal sum to "fix" an urgent problem with their PC. They then go on to use (or sell) the card details online.
The other:
They talk the consumer into typing in commands on their PC which will give the caller remote access to it and thus the opportunity to steal personal information at a later date.
So a genuine threat and should be treated as any other cold caller."

I thank some of my very vigilant members for their attention to this. They have strung the caller along to get as much information as possible in order to feed this information back to you.
Regards, Anita Rigler

29 Mar 10

Colehill / Stapehill
Several members in Foxcroft Drive have this afternoon received a cold caller by telephone trying to sell them a burglar alarm. I believe I recently warned you about a company canvassing.
Just a gentle reminder for your more vulnerable members not to have anything to do with callers of this nature.
If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you, Anita.

18 Mar 10

This is an information and crime prevention advice message.
Very early on Tuesday morning a Colehill resident heard a crashing noise but did not investigate. In the morning he discovered damage to his roof. Shortly afterwards a male called at the property offering to carry out roof repairs. A fee was agreed but the roofer kept finding more problems and the price kept going up. Following a trip to the bank the resident alerted Police who attended and subsequently arrested the roofer on suspicion of fraud by false representation before any monies were paid.
Please advise friends and neighbours not to enter into any agreement to have work done with anyone "cold calling" at the door. If you are looking for a reliable tradesperson please use one from the Home Watch approved traders lists or a recommendation from someone you know.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 222 222 quoting crime number 10498 for the attention of DC 2068 PLAYLE
Thanks,
Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

6 Mar 10

For info only,
A number of residents reported on 06 March that their vehicles have had their tyres slashed in the areas of Days Court and Hardy Crescent overnight on 05 March from anytime after 1800hrs. If anyone has seen anything or anyone acting suspiciously in these areas please contact Dorset Police on the non emergency number 222222.

Thank you, PCSO Tracey Downer

24 Feb 10

Revised article:

The Association of Dorset Watch groups has been successful in obtaining funding from the Proceeds of Crime fund.
This funding is purely for East Dorset Residents for the following:
To supply a professional, wire free, domestic burglar alarm, at trade price with a Proceeds of Crime discount of £100 making the alarm £250.00 plus installation (around £150 per property). ONLY 100 WILL BE SUBSIDISED.
or
To supply a mini alarm with built in autodialler, which will alarm and also phone a mobile or land line number with a recorded message, plus 4 window vibration alarms at trade price plus a Proceeds of Crime Discount for £18.00 ONLY 500 WILL BE SUBSIDISED.
Details of these alarms will be at Ferndown or Wimborne police station, or the Barrington centre community office Ferndown which is open everyday Monday-Sat 10-12 except Tuesday.
See 15th Feb report for a download of details of these alarms or visit www.nhwdorset.org.uk We have until May to carry out this project. Regards, Anita Rigler

23 Feb 10

For info only,
This message is for information to Homewatch, shop watch and industrial watch - this scam seems to be aimed at persons owning their own small businesses.
This involves a telephone scam whereby you receive a call stating you have recently verbally agreed to sponsor a sum of money to buy books for a local school that you have no knowledge of. If you have made no such aggreement under no circumstances should you pass personal information over the phone and youo should state to the caller you will pass this information to your local police.

If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you, PCSO Tracey Downer 5118

20 Feb 10

For info only,
This is just a reminder to remove any items of value from vehicles when left unattended due to the increase in vehicle crime in the area.
For security information - any properties having building work or using any outdoor tools - please be aware an attempt break occured whereby a residents tool left outside was used to attempt to gain access to their garage. No entry gained and nothing taken.

If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you, PCSO Tracey Downer

20 Feb 10

Please be aware of a current trend in identity theft tactics employed by a group of African or West Indian males targeting properties with post boxes remote from the front door. These persons usually working in pairs are applying for credit cards using the address of properties with security gates and external post boxes. Once they have made the application they then attempt to steal the incoming mail delivered to the target address from the letter box shortly after the post is delivered. Three attempts have been reported on Golf Links Road and Dudsbury Avenue all using the above method of attack. We are aware that this method has already been successful and large bills on credit cards have been run up in the London area.
If you see anyone suspicious trying to access a neighbours mail please call police immediately. You can get good identity advice from the following web site www.cifas.org.uk
f you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you.
Regards, PC Julian Humphries 1496

15 Feb 10 (Revised - see 24th Feb)

The Association of Dorset Watch Groups was successful in securing £15,000 from the Proceeds of Crime fund to subsidise alarms for East Dorset residents.

Details - Word document (900kB) - download. (Note - the official logos have been removed due to the size of the file).

I hope this may be of interest to some of you.
Regards, Anita Rigler

1 Feb 10

Twice recently we have had theft of scrap items from a unit on the Canford Bottom Industrial Estate. The items were left out in the yard but had a value of several hundred pounds. If you see people or vehicles entering or leaving this estate in the middle of the night please call the non-emergency number 222222.
You may recall I told you about the theft of a car headlight in November last year. We have had another very similar theft near Beaucroft School in Wimborne Rd. A car had the rear indicators carefully removed, this time during daylight hours!
Finally if you have any members who have untaxed vehicles on their driveways they might like to know that a resident in Marshfield had their car stolen recently. The vehicle was not advertised for sale, three men with a lorry made a casual enquiry about purchasing the car and a price was agreed. While the owner was inside they hitched the car to their lorry and drove off.

If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Thanks, Steve Brett, Colehill SNT

14 Dec 09

You all need to be aware that jobbers charged an elderly person £3100 for cleaning a driveway and house roof. The males were driving a blue Transit Van HD07 FHZ .
The incident number is 492 dated 13 Dec. If you do see this vehicle outside anyone's home please do call it in on 222222.

23 Nov 09

I have attached a useful document provided to us by The Illegal Money Lending Team for members information download.

Digital TV Switchover Help Scheme
The Scheme is run by the BBC in conjunction with the Government. It provides practical support whereby eligible people can have digital television installed to one TV in their home, along with a back up support service.

The scheme helps eligible groups who may face greater barriers in switching to digital TV. It includes easy to use equipment to meet the client's needs, help with installing equipment, fitting a new dish or aerial where possible, as well as a demonstration and someone to call for help while people are getting used to the new equipment.

How can we work together?

The scheme has been specifically set up to give practical support to people facing physical or mental impairments. The eligibility criteria are: -
. Are registered blind or partially sighted or
. Have lived in a care home for six months or more, or
. Get (or could get) certain disability benefits, or
. Are aged 75 or over.

Further information is available at our website www.helpscheme.co.uk

9 Nov 09

Reports of a utility company cold calling, trying to get you to change over your utility company to them. As with all door step callers have nothing to do with them for your own consumer protection.

Also be aware of the burglar alarm/home security company which we regularly warn members about are back canvassing. They have featured on BBC Rogue Traders and Watch Dog more times than I can remember. They are offering 'free shredders' as a way of getting in the door.
Please remind your more vulnerable members never to deal with cold callers for their own consumer protection and remember there should always be a 7-day cooling off period. However some of the more disreputable companies install their alarms the same or the following day before you can change your mind but the cooling off period is still valid. The monitoring charge for these alarms is usually exceptionally high and you are tied into a very long contract.

May I just mention that it is well worth registering your telephone number with the Telephone Preference Service to stop these cold callers from contacting you. Email users register online at www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps, it is very easy. Telephone users can call 0845 070 0707. It takes 28 days to be effective but it is then an offence for anyone to ring with an unsolicited call. Unfortunately they cannot stop calls from abroad.
Thank you, Anita