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Willersey Village Police Alerts November to July 2018

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  Alerts After November 2018   Know an A417 User? Commemorating end World War I Burglary at Saintbury Property
Scam Phone Calls From Police Fire Service Safe And Well Checks Stolen Vehicle Number Plates Cyber criminals send victims passwords Cyber-criminals use weaknesses in software Neighbourhood Watch News Oct 2018
Horse Tack Stolen - Stow Stow Travellers Horse Fair Date Change Touring Caravans Stolen Overnight National Hate Crime Awareness Week Lost Dog Police Survey
Door To Door Sellers Attempted Theft Of Valuable Vehicles Fraud Phone Calls From HMRC Fake TV Licensing emails Email Fraud, Itunes Vouchers Anti Poaching Operation
Fake Netflix emails Scam Offer Priority Access New Special Constables Vehicles Entered Overnight Horse Mane Platted Car Jacking Method
Hare Poaching Offences Theft of Vehicle Registration Plates Bogus Overseas Officers Nominate Your Best Neighbour Of 2018 Fake Gas Refund emails Fake LinkedIn emails
Speed Checks in North Cotswolds Fake Argos texts offering refunds Doorstep Scams   Alerts Before July 2018  


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Do You Know Someone Who Uses The A417?
From today 14 Nov 2018, Gloucestershire Constabulary will be actively policing the A417 between Crickley Hill and Cirencester using a highly visible vehicle equipped with a variety of equipment. The aim is to improve road safety and reduce crime. Officers will be stopping any vehicle they deem appropriate to do so whether it is because of poor standard of driving, the condition of a vehicle, criminal intelligence led enquiries or other intelligence like missing persons.
You can help make the A417 safer by keeping a safe distance from other drivers and being mindful of your speed.

Message Sent by
Communications Team WWDW (Police, Communications Team, Gloucestershire)
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Commemorating 100 Years Since the end of World War I
Cirencester community held an event to try and break the world record to form a human flower. The current world record stands at 3,000 people.
Cotswold police team were proud to help out with standing in the Poppy centre in all black uniform. Others wore red, black and green ponchos to form the shape of a Poppy. 3,300 people form around the area turned out to set a new world record and show their respects for the fallen.
“Lest we forget.”

Kind regards, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Burglary At Rural Property Near Saintbury
Between 22:30 on 31/10/2018 and 06:30 on 01/11/2018, person, or persons unknown used a vehicle to force open the electronic gates to gain access to the grounds of the property. They have then broken in to the property by forcing a ground floor window before entering and stealing the keys to a car parked in the garage. The offender(s) have then taken the black Audi S4 TFSI Quattro registration VU17UBP from the garage and driven off. If you have any information relevant to the above incident, please phone 101 and quote Incident 57 of 01/11/2018.

Many thanks, Robert Hardie (Police, Reception, Stow)
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Scam Phone Calls From Police
Gloucestershire police have received a report of a person pretending to be police officer and has told the victim their bank card has been used fraudulently.
The person has asked the victim to hang up and report this to their bank immediately. When the victim has tried to call their bank before it could ring someone has said ‘Emergency services, how can I help you?̵&; The call has then been transferred and the false police officer speaks to the victim stating more money has been fraudulently taken from their bank account.
The victim has finally hung up for some considerable time and managed to call their bank to find out no fraud has taken place on their account. Police are advising that if you receive scam calls of this type, hang up and then report it to Action Fraud. Be mindful that a line will stay open if the caller doesn't hang up and when you pick up the receiver you could still be connected to the scam caller.
If possible report this to Action Fraud by email or use another phone such as a mobile. Gloucestershire police are happy to log these incidents and will give you an incident number. Action Fraud can be contacted online at : https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or phone 0300 123 2040

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Fire Service Safe And Well Checks
Fire Service - Safe And Well Checks Did you know that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GRFS) conduct Safe and Well checks at the homes of vulnerable people or in fact anyone concerned about fire risk? If you know of a person who you think could be at risk from a house fire you can refer them directly to GFRS (with their informed consent) via this link:
http://www.glosfire.gov.uk/forms/Newhomesafety.asp
You just need the name, address, contact number and the person's consent.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Stolen Vehicle Number Plates
Police released the details of a Grey Suzuki Swift registration WU65 AXZ after a burglary on White Shoots Hill Bourton-on-the-Water Sunday 18th November.
The number plates on this vehicle have been found dumped in Sherborne and were stolen from a car in Lechlade. The Grey Suzuki is now thought to be on more stolen number plates - registration MK59UPE.
A burnt out vehicle at Dormy House Hotel has been found not to be this vehicle (Gloucestershire police incident 424 18/11/18 refers) If this vehicle is seen driving please call 999, if parked up please call 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk

Gloucestershire police have received a number of reports of stolen vehicle number plates over the past two days.
Incident Number and date:
48        30/10/18 Lower Swell
140        30/10/18 Blockley
141        31/10/18 Willersey
172        31/10/18 Willersey
If you are victim of theft of your vehicle number plates please report this immediately to Gloucestershire police so we can update the Police National Computer to show your number plates are stolen. This enables us to stop any vehicles show as having stolen plates that could be used in further criminal activity. Offenders will use stolen plates to put on stolen vehicles that match the make model and colour. These vehicles are then used in organised crime, such as cash point thefts and theft of valuable vehicles.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Cyber criminals send victims their own passwords in extortion scam
Cyber criminals are attempting to blackmail unsuspecting victims by claiming to have used the victim 's password to install spying malware on the victim 's computer. The criminals claim they 've recorded videos of the victim watching adult material by activating their webcam when they visit these websites. What makes this scam so convincing is that the email usually includes a genuine password the victim has used for one of their online accounts. We believe criminals obtain the passwords from data breaches.
What to do if you get one of these emails?
Don’t reply to the email, or be pressured into paying. The police advise that you do not pay criminals. Try flagging the email as spam/junk if you receive it multiple times. Perform a password reset as soon as possible on any accounts where you 've used the password mentioned in the email. Always use a strong, separate password for important accounts, such as your email. Where available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Always install the latest software and app updates. Install, or enable, anti-virus software on your laptops and computers and keep it updated.
If you receive one of these emails, report it to Action Fraud 's phishing reporting tool. If you have received one of these emails and paid the ransom, report it to your local police force.

Message Sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Cyber-criminals use weaknesses in software and apps

Do update your software and apps

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Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter October 2018

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter October 2018.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Horse Tack Stolen - Stow
Gloucestershire police incident - 273 16/10/18
Police have received a report of a stolen saddle from the Stow area on Saturday morning at 06:30hrs. The offenders were disturbed and had also tried to steal the quad bike at the same address.
The stolen saddle is postcode marked WR11 8TJ. Anyone that is offered the £700 saddle for sale and sees the postcode is asked to call police immediately quoting the incident number above.

Stolen Horse Tack Stow - Update
West Mercia police have served a warrant at a travellers site in Evesham today 17th October and recovered stolen saddles and bridles from a burglary in Stow.
The victim has identified the saddles and bridles as being the one stolen from a yard in Stow last week. West Mercia and Gloucestershire police will now investigate this crime and suspects will be interviewed in due course.
Thank you to one of our community alert members for sharing the Facebook page of West Mercia with me that helped identify the stolen items.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Stow Travellers Horse Fair - Change Of Fair Dates
Stow Horse Fair has been widely advertised as being held on Thursday 25th October 2018.
Gloucestershire police are able to confirm the fair will now be held on Thursday 18th October 2018.
The fair is a one day event where the travelling community attend to buy and sell horses and set up market stalls in a field off the Maugesbury Road, Stow-on-the-Wold.
Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Touring Caravans Stolen Overnight
Gloucestershire police incidents 276 13/10/18 and 145 14/10/18.
Police have received two reports of caravans stolen from a storage site in Broadway overnight. Police have traced one caravan by its tracer system and hope to recover it.
Anyone with any information or who has seen suspicious activity close to Broadway Tower overnight is asked to call 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk quoting the incident numbers above.

Update Stolen Touring Caravan
Surrey Police have recovered one of the stolen caravans from the Broadway area where it was in storage.
The caravan had a tracker fitted to it and lead police and the tracking company straight to it. This goes to show fitting tracker systems to caravans, cars and agricultural machinery is worth while and helps police recover stolen property.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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National Hate Crime Awareness Week
National Hate Crime Awareness Week commences on Saturday 13th October 2018, and the following list shows some of the things being undertaken by partners in the Gloucestershire Hate Crime and Incident Strategic Group. The intention of this message is just to raise awareness of this important matter.
* Gloscats Trans support group - will be hosting a talk about hate crime and the importance of reporting.
* Cheltenham Borough Homes, Victim Support, and Gloucestershire University – will be running a pledge campaign on their social media accounts with images of people pledging their support.
* Cheltenham Synagogue, Cheltenham Borough Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Stroud District Council, and local youth services – will be hosting poster/information displays in their public access areas
* National Star College - are running an internal awareness event.
* Gloucester City Homes, Gloucester City Council, Cheltenham Borough Homes, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust, Gloucestershire Care Services, and 2gether Trust – are running internal intranet articles to raise awareness amongst their staff.
* Inclusion Glos – are hosting a client discussion at their disability drop-in with the Victim Support County Hate Crime Coordinator.
* The Disability Adult Social Care Team – had a team meeting discussion about the issue and have pledged to enable hate crime training for staff.
* Gloucestershire VCS Alliance – are producing a piece about NHCAW for their countywide bulletin.
* Beaufort Academy School Gloucester– will be showing a short awareness raising film in their tutor time.
* Barnwood Trust and Victim Support – are putting on a workshop for local professionals that highlights how we can all be better upstanders and allies to hate / intolerance and everyday prejudice, in often simple but powerful ways.
* Remembering Srebrenica and Victim Support – are hosting Gloucestershire’s first ‘We are one’ awards, highlighting and celebrating those in our county who are standing up to prejudice and hate.

Remember that if you see someone being subjected to hate related incidents or crime you can report it; it’s not only the victim who can report it, so too can anyone who witnesses it. If you witness any incident of this type report the matter to the police on 101 or if you believe a crime is taking place and someone is at risk of harm dial 999. You can also report non-urgent matters to the police by email at 101@gloucestershire.police.uk

Message Sent by
Bob Lloyd (Police, Neighbourhood Watch Officer, Gloucestershire)
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Lost Dog
Police have been asked by a member of public at Moreton Market to put out an alert for a lost dog.
The dog is described to be female border collie brown and white in colour. She was wearing a collar with brown and white checks and has been missing from Chastleton from 20th July, 2018.
Anyone with any information is asked to call : 07860307768

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Can You Help Us By Answering A Few Questions
We'd really like to know what you think about Neighbourhood Policing in Gloucestershire.
Can you help us by answering a few questions?

Message Sent by
Communications Team WWDW (Police, Communications Team, Gloucestershire)
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Door To Door Sellers - North Cotswolds
Gloucestershire police incidents : 150, 164 , 207 and 438 27/09/18
The above incidents were called in where males were seen selling cleaning products door to door. This is an offence, unless the seller has a licence. The offence is “Peddling without a Licence.”
We advise the public not to buy from these people as they are on the lookout for vulnerable residents to sell details on and these persons sometimes become victims of burglary. They use a few tricks , such as smelling the money that is given to them to see if it smells musty. This tells them the resident keeps their money in the house somewhere and possibly don't use a bank. The best advice is not to get into an argument but be stern and say NO and close the door. Then call police. We accept 999 calls of this type of incident as they are still in the area and we need to stop them and deal with them.
If we get three complaints and residents are happy to make statements they can be arrested and either summons to court for Peddling without a licence or given a £90 fine on the spot and have their selling bags seized.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Attempted Theft Of Valuable Vehicles
Police have received a number of calls over the past few day of offenders trying front doors of properties with expensive vehicles on the driveways.
It appears no attempt has been made to force entry and these offenders are opportunists. Police are asking residents to lock doors at night to prevent walk in burglaries.
Anyone who suspects they may have had similar incidents and have CCTV on their properties are asked to call us on 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk quoting incident 24 25/09/18.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Fraud Phone Calls From HMRC
Gloucestershire police have received reports of persons receiving phone calls from HMRC stating they owe taxes.
The caller asks the person to pay money into a bank account. This is a scam and police are asking the public not to pay any money into any accounts that state they are from HMRC or police.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Watch out for these fake TV Licensing emails
We've seen a sharp increase in reports about fake TV Licensing emails claiming to offer refunds. The emails state that the refund cannot be processed due to “invalid account details”. The links provided in the emails lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

Message Sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Email Fraud - Itunes Vouchers
Email Fraud - Itunes Vouchers Gloucestershire police have received a report that a person has been contacted by email and asked to purchase £600 in iTunes vouchers , pretending to be the persons daughter. The email was similar to her daughter's but not identical.
Police are warning the public to be vigilant and not to reply or act on directions from emails asking to purchase iTunes vouchers or similar. Once the codes or images of the codes have been sent to the fraudster the victim loses their money.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Anti Poaching Operation
Operation Firefly - 20-09-18
Gloucestershire police have run an anti poaching operation from Tewkesbury that has covered all rural areas in Gloucestershire on Thursday 20th September.
Police were called to suspect poachers in the Quenington Area driving three cars on a farmer field. The farmer used his Landover to block the gateway before police arrived. On police attendance it was found that the youths driving the cars were not poaching but driving in an anti-social manner. All owners of the vehicles were issued with a Section 59 notice which means they have been warned that if they are found driving their car or anyone else's car within the next twelve months that car will be seized.
During the evening a Grey Landrover Defender Pick Up registration RH07 WGH, was stolen from a farm in Tewkesbury and was last seen driving towards Twyning. Gloucestershire Police incident 437 20/09/18 refers. Anyone with any information is asked to call on 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Watch out for these fake Netflix emails
We've seen an increase in reports about fake Netflix emails claiming that there's an issue with your account, or that your account has been suspended. The email states that you need to “update” your account details in order to resolve the problem. The link in the emails leads to genuine-looking Netflix phishing websites designed to steal your username and password, as well as payment details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
For more information on how to stay secure online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk

Message Sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Scam Calls Claiming To Offer Priority Access To The Emergency Services
A resident of Upper Rissington contacted us today to say that they have just received a telephone call from a person stating that they were in the area today and could offer (for one day only) for %99.00 a device which would give priority access to Police/Ambulance/Fire services. The company would also contact friends and relatives when the purchaser activates the device. There is no such device and calls like this should ignored; do not engage with the caller.

Message Sent by
Robert Hardie (Police, Reception, Stow)
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New Special Constables
PC Westmacott has been helping train 16 new special constables that will soon be deployed around Gloucestershire.
Special constables are volunteers who give up their free time to assist regular police officers. Specials do not get paid.
Special constables hold all the same powers a full time police officer has and can arrest suspects.
We are grateful for these members of the public giving up their time to help in the community they live in.
Anyone considering becoming a special or police volunteer worker please visit Gloucestershire police website for more information. www.gloucestershire.police.uk

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Vehicles Entered Overnight
Gloucestershire police incidents: 33, 37 , 65 , 70 and 204 - 06/09/18
Overnight police have received a number of calls after vehicles have been broken into in Mickleton, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden.
It appears the same offender have targeted the vehicles to steal work tools and in one case entered a garden to steal furniture.
Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk quoting the incident numbers above.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Suspicious Circumstances - Horse Mane Platted
Gloucestershire police have received a call from a resident in the North Cotswolds that found their horses mane had been platted over night Saturday 1st September. Although this could have been done innocently police have received reports before where this marks the horse to be stolen. The platting is usually a single plat on the mane. Anyone who has had a similar experience recently is asked to call police quoting incident 93 03/09/18.
Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Police Warning - Car Jacking Method
This is the new thing these days with people out of work and needing cash. Beware, it's headed our way.
Just last weekend on Friday night we parked in a public parking area. As we drove away I noticed a sticker on the rear window of the car. When I took it off after I got home, it was a receipt for gas. Luckily my friend told me not to stop as it could be someone waiting for me to get out of the car. Then we received this email yesterday: You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into reverse. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car.
And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!
So beware.
If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women. A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do not want it to fall into the wrong hands.
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Operation Firefly - Poaching Offences - North Cotswolds
Gloucestershire police incidents 175 and 251 24/08/18
Gloucestershire police were looking for a Vauxhall Zafira on Irish plates , 08MO2704 in connection with a poaching and criminal damage offence in Moreton-in-Marsh. After placing the vehicle details on the PNC (Police National Computer) the car was stopped and seized by Derbyshire Police. If the vehicle recovery and storage charge is not paid within 21 days the car will destroyed. Gloucestershire police would like to thank the public for their response to the original community alert asking for information.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott

Police were called to land near the A40 at Great Barrington after a report of 5 males on land with dogs hunting hares without permission, were seen getting into a Mitsubishi Shogun. The vehicle hit a gate at the location causing damage and failed to stop to give details. These males were then seen swapping cars near the A40 getting into a Vauxhall Zafira and went on to commit poaching offences on land near Moreton-in-Marsh.
Police have seized the Mitsubishi Shogun on the A40 under the Hunting Act and unless claimed back will be destroyed. Police are looking for a Vauxhall Zafira on Irish plates , 08MO2704 that failed to stop after ramming a farm vehicle on land in Moreton-in-Marsh.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Theft of Vehicle Registration Plates from Weston Subedge
At approximately 00:15 on 18/08/2018, person, or persons unknown stole the registration plates from a black Range Rover that was parked outside a property on Parsons Lane in Weston Subedge.
If you have any information that may be of use, please phone 101 and quote Incident 129 of 18/08/2018.

Message Sent by
Robert Hardie (Police, Reception, Stow)
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National Fraud Intelligence Bureau Bogus Overseas Officers
Fraudsters are contacting overseas students and visitors who are in the UK via their mobile phone or social network account and purporting to represent UK or foreign law enforcement. After fraudsters have claimed to work with their respective embassy or government, they tell the victim that there is evidence in the form of forged documentation or parcels which implicate them in a crime such as money laundering, fraud or immigration offences. After demanding further personal details from the victim such as their name, current address and copies of personal documentation, they threaten the victim by suggesting a warrant exists for their arrest which will result in their deportation and imprisonment unless they transfer a payment to them in order to cancel the arrest or pay a fine. Once the money is transferred, all contact between the victim and the fraudster is severed.

What You Need To Do:
Police will never ask you to withdraw to transfer money so “it can be checked”, neither would they demand money to in order to cancel an arrest.
Do not be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details no matter who they say they are; protect your information and have the confidence to question and refuse unusual requests.
If you have made a payment to someone claiming to be the police or government department, and you think you might be a victim of fraud, you can report it to Action Fraud any time of the day or night using our online fraud reporting tool. You can also get advice about fraud or cyber-crime by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you are a student you can ask your Student Union or University for advice, help and support.

Message Sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Nominate Your Best Neighbour Of 2018
Neighbourhood Watch and our sponsor Co-op Insurance has just launched a nationwide search to find and celebrate some of the best and most considerate neighbours of 2018!
We’re urging people to nominate the most deserving good neighbours and there is also an opportunity to put forward your Hero Next Door for a true act of heroism. Neighbourhood Watch and Co-op Insurance are working together on these exciting awards and anyone can nominate their good neighbours today. We're talking about the local heroes in your street and community whose acts of kindness and neighbourliness really set them apart. We want to recognise the people who are making such a vital contribution to community life and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. You don't need to be a Neighbourhood Watch member to nominate and the person you nominate doesn't need to be a member either. Click here to join in before nominations close on September 5th – and you'll be taken to the nomination form where you can share your stories of great neighbourly activities and acts of kindness.
You can also share the link to the nominations page by cutting and pasting it from below.
https://joinin.coop.co.uk/opportunities/159
So nominate your good neighbours today!
To read more about the awards on our website click here. With best wishes,
Neighbourhood Watch

Message Sent by
Lisa Parker (NHWN, Register Administrator, England & Wales)
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Watch out for these fake British Gas refund emails.
We've had an increase in reports about fake British Gas emails claiming to offer refunds. The links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking British Gas phishing websites that are designed to steal the usernames and passwords for British Gas accounts.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
For more information on how to stay secure online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk

Message Sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Watch out for these fake LinkedIn emails
We've received multiple reports about these fake LinkedIn emails. They claim that your LinkedIn profile has appeared in multiple searches and provide links you can click on to get more details. These links lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal and financial details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

Message Sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Speed Checks in the North Cotswolds
Police have recently conducted speed checks in the North Cotswolds in conjunction with a student from Chipping Campden Secondary School. In total 6 cars, 1 local bus and a van were stopped for excess speed over 35m.p.h. in a 30 m.p.h. zone.
Because the student was using the speed device, none of these vehicles could be ticketed, but were given stern words of advice.

Many thanks, PC 2201 Nick Westmacott
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Watch out for these fake Argos texts offering refunds
These fake text messages purport to be from Argos and claim that you're owed a refund. The link in the messages lead to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information, as well as payment details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it's a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

Message Sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
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Doorstep scams
Scammers commonly target older people for doorstep scams. In fact, 85% of victims of doorstep scams are aged 65 and over according to National Trading Standards. We'll show you some simple steps that you can take to help you stay safe on your doorstep.
Doorstep scams are when someone comes to your door with the aim of scamming you out of your money or trying to gain access to your home to steal items from inside. While there are many legitimate tradespeople and officials, it’s wise to be on your guard when you answer your door. Doorstep scammers can be pushy and persuasive and it can be easy to fall victim. It's especially important to be vigilant and aware if you live on your own.

Whenever you answer the door remember to lock, stop, chain, check.
Lock: secure all your other outer doors as the person at the door may intend to distract you while an accomplice gets in through a back door.
Stop: think about whether you're expecting anyone.
Chain: put the door chain on or look through the window or spyhole to see who's there.
Check: ask for an identity card and examine it carefully - you can always tell the caller to come back another time when someone will be with you.

You could put a ‘no cold callers’ sign up on your door or window, which should deter any cold callers from knocking on your door. You can download a free sign (PDF 236 KB)from Action Fraud.
Find out if you have a nominated neighbour scheme where a neighbour can help to make sure if callers are safe. Contact your local Neighbourhood Watch or your local Safer Neighbourhood police team to find out more.
You should always check a seller or trader's credentials before agreeing to purchase their products or services. See our guide Avoiding scams (PDF 327 KB) for tips on how to do that.
Finally, remember that you can dial 999 if you're suspicious or the caller won’t leave. Call the police non-emergency number 101 if you're not in immediate danger but want to report an incident.
If you've been the victim of scam there's no shame or embarrassment in falling victim to a scam – it happens to lots of people. If you report it, it may help to prevent others from experiencing the same thing.

You can report it to Action Fraud – they may be able to track down the fraudster. You can also contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for advice. Remember, we're unable to accept reports of crime through Your Neighbourhood Alerts. If you need to report something, please call 101 or report online: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/do-it-online/report-a-crime-or-provide-information-anonymously/
Always call 999 in an emergency.

Message Sent by
Andrew Biddell (Police, PCSO, Cotswolds)
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