March 2016 Essex Community Messages received  (click here to see introduction)

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9/5/16

Purchasing Pets Online

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud have noticed a rise in the reporting of pets, and in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular online auction websites. The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale, often claiming that the pet is currently held somewhere less accessible or overseas. Upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer. However, the pet does not materialise and the fraudster will subsequently ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs. Even if further payments are made, the pet will still not materialise as it is likely that the pet does not exist. Protect Yourself:

• Stay within auction guidelines.

• Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.

• Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.

• Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.

• Agree a suitable time to meet face to face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.

• A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.

• If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.

• Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale.

      If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’. A ‘puppy farm’ is a commercial dog breeding enterprise where the sole aim is to maximise profit for the least investment. Commercial dog breeders must be registered with their local authority and undergo regular inspections to ensure that the puppies are bred responsibly and are in turn fit and healthy. Illegally farmed puppies will often be kept in inadequate conditions and are more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses associated with irresponsible breeding. • When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 03

5/5/16

Please be aware that potential rogue traders may be operating in your area. Within the last few days reports of males cold calling at addresses in the Rayleigh area seemingly quoting excessive amounts of money for paving services without carrying out any type of assessment. Essex Police advice is not to purchase or agree to any work from cold callers at your door. If you require this type of work to be carried out you should use a reputable company that you have contacted in the first instance and consider obtaining more than one quotation. If you are concerned by callers at your door you should ring Essex Police on 101 or 999 in case of an emergency. Author: PC 917 JUDD Distribution: Castle Point and Rochford Districts

4/5/16

A new trend is targeting members of the public who are seeking to sell their wine investment. Fraudsters agree to purchase the victims wine, but instead transfer the stock into their own ac-count without paying the victim. The fraudulently obtained wine is then believed to be sold on to other, unsuspecting victims.
How does this scam work?
Fraudsters set up fake companies and websites as well as exploit the names of legitimate, es-tablished companies to facilitate this fraud. They cold-call the victims and offer to purchase their wine for significantly more than the actual market value. Fraudulent documents, such as purchase agreements, are used to facilitate the fraud and are sent to the victims via post and email. Some fraudsters have gone as far as setting up fake es-crow services in order to fool the potential sellers that the payments have been transferred. The fraudsters send the victims instructions to transfer their wine into storage accounts held within legitimate bonded warehouses. The victims are informed that upon doing this they will be paid the agreed amount. The use of storage accounts held within legitimate bonded ware-houses adds an air of legitimacy to the process but in actual fact these storage accounts are controlled by the fraudsters. Once the wine is transferred into the new storage accounts the suspects break off all contact with the victims. The wine is then moved again, normally within days and often abroad, and, needless to say, the victim never receives the money from the agreed sale.
How to protect yourself
• Never respond to unsolicited phone calls – if in doubt, hang up.
• Always check that the details of the organisation or company contacting you (such as website, address and phone number) are correct – the fraudsters may be masquerading as a legitimate organisation.
• Never sign over your wine (or any other investment) to another party without first checking they are authentic.
• Don’t be fooled by a professional looking website, as the cost of creating a professional website is easily affordable.
• Escrow services are regulated by the FCA under the Payment Services Directive 2009. Only deal with a registered Authorised Payment Institution. You can check the FCA register online.
• Consider seeking independent legal and/or financial advice before making a decision
If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Consumer direct on 03454 040506 or Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or by using the online reporting tool.

22/4/16

With the closure of front offices at numerous police stations around Essex; members of the public can now use the interactive screens situated in selected locations.

A screen is now up and running at Rayleigh Police station and is really easy to navigate.

You may want to report a road collision, lost property or crime. If you have an appointment you can alert the officer of your arrival. There is even a FAQ section and directory.

Rayleigh Police station is currently open between 9am and 5pm to use the interactive screen but plans are to make it 24/7 in due course.

Alternatively you may choose to contact us online using the 'do it online' service on our website www.essex.police.uk

19/4/16

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. More information can be found at securedbydesign.com and locksmiths.co.uk Join or start a Neighbourhood or Home Watch 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. sent by Kevin Blake Essex Watch Liaison Officer, sent to Southend,Castle Point and Rochford.

9/4/16

Whatever you need Essex Police for, we want to make it easy for you to do it.

For the first time you can report a non-emergency crime to us online. 
Our 'do it online' service (this link works) lets you report non-emergency crime, road traffic collisions and access a range of information and advice easily and conveniently. Online reporting for lost or found property will be added during April.
Essex Police has also subscribed to the national ‘knowledge bank’ Ask The Police, also accessible at www.essex.police.uk/doitonline. Ask the Police contains answers to hundreds of often-asked questions about policing from abandoned vehicles to youth issues. Your burning question may already have an answer waiting for you!
Remember though, we still need you to dial 999 in an emergency and you can still call our non-emergency number 101.

8 /4/16

Rochford's new “Community Policing Team” has been launched by Essex Police as part of a renewed commitment to local policing that puts partnerships with councils and other organisations at the heart of community safety.

The new teams will work in community safety hubs with partners like councils, other Emergency Services, Health providers, charities, Neighbourhood Watch and community groups. Their main focus will be on community safety priorities, solving local problems like high risk anti-social behaviour, local “hot spot” crimes, repeat victims or keeping the night time economy safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Maurice Mason says: “Our renewed commitment to local policing means new teams will work as one with our partners to protect people from harm, talk and listen to communities about their concerns, gather information and help find answers to local problems. Our ambition is for a seamless link with Community Safety Partnership teams across Essex, working together to tackle locally-agreed priorities.

Working alongside those teams will be all the other parts of Essex Police which keeps people safe. That’s three thousand officers working for a safer Essex, including specialist domestic abuse teams, emergency crews responding to 999 calls, detectives investigating serious crime, and our countywide roads policing teams, firearms and police dog teams and officers and staff dealing with cyber-crime and fraud.”
Chief Inspector Lesley Ford, district commander of Rochford and Castle Point, adds: "It is important that we continue to work with our communities and partner agencies to reduce harm and crime.
"We will proactively target criminals, particularly those who reoffend, and prioritise our protection of those who are the most vulnerable in our communities.
"Everybody can play a part in keeping our communities safe - including Neighbourhood Watch and Active Citizen Volunteers, and I look forward to working with you to keep Rochford and Castle Point a very safe place to live."
More information about our team can be found on our community policing web pages

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