March 2016 Essex Community Messages received (click here to see introduction)
(Because of the number of links shown we no longer make direct links -
30/6/16
There has been a recent increase in burglaries in the Castle Point & Rochford District. This is a reminder for homeowners and residents to ensure that in these warmer months that doors, windows, sheds, garages and gates are secure, valuables and car keys are kept out of sight and that CCTV and alarms are activated if installed.
If you see anything suspicious then please call 101 with information or 999 if you suspect a crime is in progress.
28/6/16
Officers have been patrolling Castle Point and Rochford Districts in plain clothes over the weekend and continuing today in response to the recent spate of robberies on Canvey and burglaries on the Rochford District. Foot patrols of locations subject of recent offences are being conducted with stop checks and searches being carried out. If you witness suspicious activity in your area please report it via 101 or 999 in the case of an emergency. If it is isn't reported we do not know it is happening therefore cannot respond to it.
17/6/16
Please beware. We appear to have had a few incidents of door to door selling from people claiming to be ex-
17/6/16
Please take the opportunity to remind your children not to send naked images of themselves over the internet.
Social media is the most used way to share them.
It is an offence.
The images could fall into the wrong hands, or could be shared amongst peer groups causing embarrassment and distress.
If an image is received, it should never be forwarded or shared as that would also be an offence; even if it is an image of someone else.
For more information visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk
10/6/16
Fraud Alert
Police are warning members of the public of a potential scam involving people selling their vehicle.
Suspects are responding to adverts for vehicles advertised online and in newspapers under the illusion of buying the car. The false buyers are then asking to see if the spare key is working by asking the driver for it. When the spare key is handed over and tested, a second key is given back to the owner whilst the working spare key is retained by the suspects.
This key may later be used to either steal possessions from the vehicle or to take the vehicle itself.
Please remain vigilant when selling your vehicle and ensure that you always remain in possession of the keys for the vehicle.
8/6/16
Rogue Traders
Doorstep or Rogue traders are operating now in the communities where we live and work. Are they knocking on your relative, neighbour or friends door today offering unnecessary work or have they started work already and are now asking for a lot more money than the bargain price they initially quoted.
The victims of these doorstep/rogue traders normally are too embarrassed or concerned to report incidents so we are asking that if you have concerns you phone the Trading Standards helpline, run by Citizens Advice via 03454 040506.
Essex County Council Trading Standards have produced an animation which we know will raise awareness of this issue and would ask you to share the link below with family, friends, neighbours and any organisation(s) that are willing to share the animation with their members or followers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sZom540ipY
1/6/16
Identity Theft/Fraud
Your identity and personal information are valuable so it's important to protect them.
Criminals can use your personal details to open bank accounts and get credit cards, passports and driving licences in your name.
This is known as identity crime.
Identity theft and identity fraud are two types of identity crime.
Identity theft is when someone gains enough information about an identity (e.g, name, date of birth, address) to commit identity fraud. It's the misappropriation of the identify of another person without their knowledge or consent.
Identity Fraud
Identity fraud occurs when a stolen identity is used to gain goods or services by deception e.g, open a bank account, gain benefits or apply for credit cards.
Advice
Criminals commit identity theft by stealing personal information, usually from documents they find in the rubbish.
A stolen identity can result in identity fraud which can affect your personal finances and chances of getting a loan, credit card or mortgage.
Bank and credit cards
If any of your cards are lost or stolen, cancel them straight away and never give card details or personal information over the phone or on the internet when other people can see or hear.
Don't carry cards unnecessarily. If you don't need them, leave them in a safe place.
Documents
If your driving licence is lost or stolen, contact the issuing organisation straight away.
Get in the habit of checking your bank statements. If you spot any transactions you didn't expect, contact the company concerned.
Destroy unwanted documents using a shredder. Don't throw away bills, bank statements, receipts or unwanted post in your name without shredding it first.
Keep personal information somewhere safe like a lockable drawer or cupboard.
Passwords and PINs
Keep passwords safe and don't store them anywhere that means they may be stolen such as your purse or on your mobile phone.
Try not to use the same password for more than one account.
Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly even if they claim to be from your bank or the police. Take a phone number and call them back to make sure they are genuine. Remember a bank will never ask for your PIN or your whole password.
(Sent by Kevin Blake, Essex Watch Liaison Officer, to all of Essex)
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