@WAR - Warwickshire Trading Standards email alerts

Please feel free to cascade this information to whomever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.). 03/12/2015 The data cycle – how your information shared and sold! 03/12/2015 Trading Standards business news Winter 2015 03/12/2015 Mandate fraud warning to Warwickshire businesses 03/12/2015 Hoverboard safety warning 03/12/2015 Farmers warned of targeted fraud attacks 30/11/2015 Your Christmas shopping rights 30/11/2015 Why do I get unwanted phone calls? This video shows you why 30/11/2015 Dangerous dolls seized 03/12/2015 The data cycle – how your information shared and sold! By Simon Cripwell on Dec 03, 2015 12:18 pm The data cycle -- showing how one person's personal data can be used, passed on and re-used in ways that people may not expect. Gives advice about what to do to reduce nuisance calls. Watch Read in browser » 03/12/2015 Trading Standards business news Winter 2015 By Simon Cripwell on Dec 03, 2015 12:13 pm Trading Standards business news Winter 2015 In this issue: Festive food safety; Top tips for exporters and illicit alcohol Read in browser » 03/12/2015 Mandate fraud warning to Warwickshire businesses By Simon Cripwell on Dec 03, 2015 11:21 am Warwickshire businesses are warned to beware of mandate fraud. Mandate Fraud is also known as Creditor Fraud, Payment Diversion Fraud and Supplier Account Takeover Fraud. This fraud involves the changing of account details for supplier or customer accounts in order to gain control of an account and benefit from unauthorised payments. This could include changing of bank details in a direct debit, manipulation of credit card activity, or changing of an employee’s bank account details for their salary, particularly when a bonus is due. Changing bank accounts is an unusual occurrence and therefore any request to update records should be treated with suspicion. Changes should be authorised at a senior level. Fraudsters rely on the Payee (Company) name not being checked by the Banks. In most cases, only the Sort Code and Account Number are checked by the receiving bank. Additionally, company details, including signatures on published accounts, are copied from the internet. All companies and organisations are urged to ensure that they have robust authorisation and monitoring procedures in place for the creation and changing of bank details and monitoring of payments. This also applies when providing account details in order to set up new payments or amend them. More information Read in browser » 03/12/2015 Hoverboard safety warning By Simon Cripwell on Dec 03, 2015 09:52 am More than 17,000 self-balancing scooters – or ‘hoverboards’– have been examined at national entry points since 15 October due to safety concerns. Of these, over 15,000 (or 88%) have been assessed as unsafe and have been detained at the border. Officers at UK ports and borders have seen a huge spike in the number of these items arriving in recent weeks, destined to end up as gifts under the tree this Christmas. More information Advice to consumers and businesses: Never leave the device charging unattended – especially overnight: a faulty cut-off switch (designed to stop the battery from continuing to charge once fully charged) or a plug without a fuse, as seen in many products detained so far, could lead to the device overheating, exploding or catching fire. Check the device: things to look out for include the shape of the plug – the first unsafe products identified often had a clover-shaped plug. Also check the device for markings or traceable information, such as the name and contact details of the manufacturer and / or importer. If buying online, look closely at the website before you hit the ‘buy’ button: Try searching for reviews of the product or the seller – do these seem genuine? Are there lots of spelling or grammar mistakes on the site? This can be a clue that a business is not professionally run. See if you can find out where the company’s head office is based – and whether that fits with how the website presents itself. Do they have a landline number you can call if there are any problems? Bear in mind that if the company is based abroad, it can be more difficult to get a complaint dealt with or return a faulty product. Read the small print – notice if anything seems odd, repetitive or in incorrect English. Is there an ‘s’ at the end of the ‘http’ part of the web address, or is there a padlock symbol in the task bar? This means the website is using an encrypted system that keeps your details more secure. Don’t be dazzled by a bargain: Are the prices incredibly low? If they look too good to be true, they probably are – particularly if some of your other checks have put doubts in your mind. Be aware that criminals exploit high demand: When items like self-balancing scooters start to sell out at well-known retailers, the void is quickly filled by crooks churning out poor quality imitations that can put people in danger. Don’t ‘panic buy’ from the first website you find – do your usual common-sense checks. Report it: National Trading Standards needs your help to clamp down on unsafe products from abroad. If you believe that any online or face-to-face seller is selling potentially dangerous goods, or something you’ve bought has made you suspicious, report it to Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06. Buying online for onward sale online? If you do this you are assuming the legal responsibilities of a business to ensure that what you’re selling complies with product safety and intellectual property legislation. More information for importers Read in browser » 03/12/2015 Farmers warned of targeted fraud attacks By Simon Cripwell on Dec 03, 2015 09:42 am Farmers are being warned to be extremely wary of any suspicious calls, texts or emails as fraudsters specifically target the agricultural sector when EU grant payments begin to arrive in bank accounts month. More information Read in browser » 30/11/2015 Your Christmas shopping rights By Simon Cripwell on Nov 30, 2015 01:25 pm A useful guide to your Christmas shopping rights launched by Which? Read in browser » 30/11/2015 Why do I get unwanted phone calls? This video shows you why By Simon Cripwell on Nov 30, 2015 12:57 pm The data cycle showing how one person's personal data can be used, passed on and re-used in ways that people may not expect. The video also gives advice about what to do to reduce nuisance calls. Read in browser » 30/11/2015 Dangerous dolls seized By Simon Cripwell on Nov 30, 2015 12:21 pm Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service was able to seize over 60 fake and dangerous Maleficent dolls before they reached the shop shelves in time for Christmas.   Read in browser »   Recent Articles: 27/11/2015 Local traders warned to beware of cold calls from bogus publishers 27/11/2015 Dyson service bogus engineers 27/11/2015 Loan scam warning 26/11/2015 Indesit and Hotpoint issue fire-risk warnings over tumble dryers 26/11/2015 Trading Standards offer help as Black Friday approaches

Our mailing address is: Warwickshire County Council Shire Hall Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 4RL United Kingdom

@WEL - Wellesbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team Report 44 – 05.12.15

Wellesbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team Report 44 – 05.12.15 

 

This report from the Wellesbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team covers the wards of Snitterfield, Wellesbourne, Kineton and Burton Dassett. 

 

The following incidents, for the period between 28.11.15 and 05.12.15 have been reported and the team are appealing for witnesses:

 

 Wellesbourne area

 

Wellesbourne – Ettington Road (building site)

Theft 01/12/15 – 075

Fencing to compound cut and 2 mobile generators stolen between 1300 Saturday 28/11/15 and 0700 30/11/15.

 

Wellesbourne – Loxley Road - WCC (building site)

Theft 01/12/15 – 182

Unsuccessful attempt to break into site office. A towable compressor has been stolen from outside the building between 1300 28/11/15 and 0700 30/11/15.

 

Kineton area

 

Kineton – Banbury Street

Vehicle damage – 28/11/15 – 117

 

Further to the damage reported in last week’s newsletter, there have been multiple and similar incidents of scratches and wiper blades being broken on at least 5 different vehicles. Police have made house to house calls and made a leaflet drop. We are appealing for anyone who may have information to call us on 101. Alternatively, you may prefer to report anonymously via Crimestoppers and full details are given below:

 

Crimestoppers:

 

Do you know you can report a crime anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers?

 

As an independent charity, they are not part of the police. When you contact Crimestoppers you won't be identified. The only person who knows you contacted Crimestoppers with information is you.

It can be difficult to come forward with information. You might have seen or heard something about a crime but don't know what to do, or are scared to come forward. It's easy to think there is nothing you can do, but Crimestoppers offer you a safe way to do this.

Talking things through helps you provide the full picture and makes the best use of your information. Call 0800 555 111 any time to talk to one of Crimestoppers’ experienced call agents.

• They will ask questions about the crime you have information on but will never ask questions about you.
• Ring when you've got time to talk and won't be disturbed.
• If you are concerned your call could be traced, dial 141 before 0800 555 111, which blocks your phone number.
• You can use a phone box and it's free.
• Calls are free from a landline and don't show up on a BT or cable phone bill.
• Calls by mobile phone may show up on an itemised bill.
• You may also report a crime to Crimestoppers online:

 

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

 

The team would like to express their appreciation for your reports of suspicious activities in the neighbourhood. If you wish to report anything, such as rogue traders, please telephone 101 to ensure that the incident is logged.

 

The SNT telephone or email box is not monitored 24/7 and therefore there may be a delay in the response or alert.

 

If you have any general concerns, questions or suggestions for the Wellesbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team please call this number: 01789 444600, or email:

wellesbourne.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

 

Distribution

 

You are welcome to distribute the information in this newsletter.

 

Please reply directly to this email for any amendments or additions to this mailing list.

 

Wellesbourne SNT Website

 

Have you visited our website? This is kept up to date and shows the activities of the SNT team, advice on crime prevention and safety information as well as edited contents of this newsletter. There is also other news from the police and links to our neighbouring SNTs. 

 

https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/2273/Wellesbourne

 

 

C7678 Barry Saunders

Police Support Volunteer

Stratford Police Station

Warwickshire Police

@NAT - New Scam Targets Farmers

Farmers are being warned to be extremely wary of any suspicious calls, texts or emails as fraudsters specifically target the agricultural sector when EU grant payments begin to arrive in bank accounts this month.

From December, farmers start to receive large funds through the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the European Union’s main rural payments scheme.
Information about the payments, including the recipients’ names and the amount paid, is publicly available, meaning criminals are able to target directly victims and make their approaches appear more convincing.
The scam communications will typically claim that fraud has been detected on the farmer’s bank account and that urgent action is required to safeguard funds. The victim is then persuaded to divulge personal or financial information, or even to transfer money directly into a so-called ‘safe account’.
With some grants worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, in past years fraudsters have stolen significant amounts of money from their victims. As well as farmers, other organisations which use farm land also receive BPS funds.
Advice on how to avoid this type of scam:
Be wary of:
• Any calls, texts or emails purporting to be from your bank, the police, a Government body or other organisation asking for personal or financial details, or for you to transfer money.
• Cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back. Fraudsters can keep your phone line open by not putting down the receiver at their end.
• Any request to check that the number showing on your telephone display matches an organisation’s registered telephone number. The display cannot be trusted, as the number showing can be altered by the caller.
Remember:
• You will never be asked for your 4 digit PIN or your online banking password, or for you to transfer money to a new account for “fraud reasons”.
• If you receive a suspicious call, hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line, or where possible use a different phone line, then call your bank or card issuer on their advertised number to report the fraud.
Never disclose your:
• Four digit card PIN to anyone, including the bank or police.
• Your password or online banking codes.

• Personal details unless you are certain you know who you are talking to. People are not always who they say they are.

 

Regards

Carol Cotterill

Rural Crime Coordinator

North Warwickshire

We will reduce the number of road traffic collisions resulting in someone being killed or seriously injured in Warwickshire.

Please visit http://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ for more force news and information.

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@WEL - Vehicles damaged in Kineton

From Kineton Neighbourhood Watch

Overnight (28/29Nov) a number of vehicles were damaged.

Vehicles in Banbury Street have been scratched and some have had wiper blades ripped off. It appears that the damaged vehicles are on Banbury St and Mill Lane leading up to Green Farm end.

The police have asked any other owners to contact the crime desk on 101 and quote incident number 117 so all damage can be logged together. This is also the number to call if you can add any further information on this event or to report any suspicious circumstances that may be criminal.

@WAR - Warwickshire Trading Standards email alerts

Please feel free to cascade this information to whomever you feel appropriate (including using the information in your newsletters/websites etc.).

27/11/2015 Local traders warned to beware of cold calls from bogus publishers 27/11/2015 Dyson service bogus engineers 27/11/2015 Loan scam warning 26/11/2015 Indesit and Hotpoint issue fire-risk warnings over tumble dryers 26/11/2015 Trading Standards offer help as Black Friday approaches

27/11/2015 Local traders warned to beware of cold calls from bogus publishers By Simon Cripwell on Nov 27, 2015 11:06 am Warwickshire Trading Standards has received a spate of reports from local traders who have been approached by bogus publishers. Bogus publishers cold call traders, asking them to advertise in magazines that have little or no circulation, making the advertising worthless. One trader was contacted and told he had been 'selected' to advertise in a magazine that (it was claimed) would be distributed to 50,000 people. The trader agreed but the magazine was never sent out. Bogus publishers chase businesses for money very aggressively and often threaten court action and bailiffs if they are not paid! Warwickshire traders are advised to never agree to offers of advertising made following a cold call. Do not even request further information. Put the phone down! 27/11/2015 Dyson service bogus engineers By Simon Cripwell on Nov 27, 2015 10:49 am A Warwickshire resident reported to Trading Standards receiving an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to represent Dyson, calling to arrange a home visit to service the residents Dyson product. When the caller arrived it transpired that the 'engineer' was not working for or on behalf of Dyson! Beware of bogus callers and never purchase goods or services as a direct result of a cold call. It's impossible to tell a good trader from a bad one over the phone or on the doorstep! Dyson bogus engineers - more information 27/11/2015 Loan scam warning By Simon Cripwell on Nov 27, 2015 10:38 am A Warwickshire consumer contacted the service after he had fallen victim to a loan scam. The consumer contacted an on-line business 'offering' loans and was approved. He was then asked for £135 before the payment could be authorised. He paid, but the loan did not materialise. He was then asked for a further £299! Consumers should be aware that many businesses who claim to be able to provide loans aren't' lenders at all. They are actually brokers who take money from their clients and then sometimes do not, or cannot secure a loan for them with a loan provider. Brokers can charge fees. However, if the broker fails to provide their client with a loan, after a six months the consumer can recover the payments they have made, save £5. 26/11/2015 Indesit and Hotpoint issue fire-risk warnings over tumble dryers By Simon Cripwell on Nov 26, 2015 01:51 pm Indesit and Hotpoint have issued  fire-risk warnings over tumble dryers sold between April 2004 and September 2015. Check you model 26/11/2015 Trading Standards offer help as Black Friday approaches By Simon Cripwell on Nov 26, 2015 10:03 am Black Friday (27th November 2015) has become the UK’s biggest shopping day as many retailers slash their prices to kick off the gift buying season. Many Black Friday consumers will be shopping online with some retail analysts predicting that Internet sales will surpass the £1bn mark during this 24-hour period for the first time in UK history! Advice from Warwickshire Trading Standards Recent Articles: 18/11/2015 Windy weather rogue trader warning 10/11/2015 Cheque scam 04/11/2015 It’s National Consumer Week 2015! 30/10/2015 Urban fraud myths 30/10/2015 Ministry of Justice scams

@WEL - Wellesbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team Report 43 – 28.11.15

 

This report from the Wellesbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team covers the wards of Snitterfield, Wellesbourne, Kineton and Burton Dassett. 

 

The following incidents, for the period between 14.11.15 and 28.11.15 have been reported and the team are appealing for witnesses:

 

Snitterfield area

 

Wolverton

Suspicious circumstances - 16/11/15-204

Male approached a coach driver stating he needed money and offering to sell rings and gold.

 

There have been several reports of similar incidents across the whole area.

 

Wellesbourne area

 

Wellesbourne – Crosslands

Vehicle crime – 18/11/15 – 084

Tow bar stolen from Landrover Discovery

 

Wellesbourne – Debden Close

Suspicious circumstances – 16/11/15-378

Resident startled by banging on window, approx. 20.30 hrs. This had also happened to a neighbour.

 

Wellesbourne – Loxley Close

Suspicious circumstances – 15/11/15-376

Informants son, aged 13, was walking between the Stag’s Head and the One Stop Shop, when a white van pulled up next to him and the driver, white male 20s -30s, asked if he wanted a lift. The youth ran home.

 

Kineton area

 

Gaydon – Church Road:

Vehicle crime – 27/11/15-078

Offenders have scratched the front offside door of a black Freelander.

 

Vehicle crime – 24/11/15 – 193

A grey Freelander, parked outside the church, was deeply scratched along the passenger side.

 

There have been similar incidents in the area. House to house enquiries have been made.

 

Kineton – Mill Lane

Vehicle crime – 22/11/15 – 198

Land Rover Discovery - nearside windscreen wiper ripped off. Scratches to bonnet and rear nearside passenger door.

 

22/11/15 - 132

A silver VW Polo, parked in the same area was also scratched, front offside door.

 

Lighthorne – Farm Location

Vehicle crime – 21/11/15 – 085

A green Suzuki 500cc quad bike, BJ63BHZ, has been stolen overnight. Fencing has been damaged to gain access.

 

Burton Dassett area

 

Radway

Suspicious circumstances – 21/11/15

Report of a male driver or a white van shining a torch into a property. Vehicle was later stopped when driving with excessive speed. The vehicle was searched under section 23 drugs act and a small amount of cannabis was found. The driver was charged and the vehicle secured.

 

 

Police Operations in Stratford and Wellesbourne:

 

Friday 20^th November – Operation ‘Hindhead’ at Stratford Leisure Centre

 

The Cross Border Police Team, Stratford District SNT and HMRC took part in the operation.

 

The Cross Boarder team identified suspect vehicles and brought 23 vehicles onto the site, using ANPR and discretion. The SNT checked the vehicles and dealt with the offences. 

 

Results: 

• 1 male was arrested for an outstanding warrant in Scotland.
• 11 vehicles were seized, 8 with no insurance 3 with no road ta 
• 8 were reported for no insurance
• 5 were reported for no tax
• 1 was without current MOT
• 1 had a bald tyre.

 

Saturday 21^st November – Operation ‘Minto’ in Wellesbourne

 

The Cross Border Police Team, the Stratford District SNT, 2 police bikers from tasking, officers from response teams, specials from Warwickshire and West Mercia, a PCSO from Wellesbourne SNT and HMRC fuel dippers were involved in this operation.

 

52 Vehicles brought onto site

 

Results:

• 1 person was taken in to custody for drug driving and released on bail  pending blood results
• 3 vehicles were seized for no insurance
• 3 vehicles were seized for no tax
• 1 vehicle was seized as driver had no licence
• 8 traffic offence reports, for various offences, were issued. 

The team would like to express their appreciation for your reports of suspicious activities in the neighbourhood. If you wish to report anything, such as rogue traders, please telephone 101 to ensure that the incident is logged.

 

The SNT telephone or email box is not monitored 24/7 and therefore there may be a delay in the response or alert.

 

If you have any general concerns, questions or suggestions for the Wellesbourne Safer Neighbourhood Team please call this number: 01789 444600, or email:

wellesbourne.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

 

Distribution

 

You are welcome to distribute the information in this newsletter.

 Please reply directly to this email for any amendments or additions to this mailing list.

 

Wellesbourne SNT Website

 

https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/2273/Wellesbourne

C7678 Barry Saunders

Police Support Volunteer

Stratford Police Station

Warwickshire Police