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Gnosall Parish Council           

 (Including the wards of Moreton and Knightley)                                   

 

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Chief Constable Sets Out His Vision

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New Chief Constable Sets Out His Vision For Local Policing


Staffordshire’s new Chief Constable has been setting out his vision for the future, just over a week into his new role. Chris Noble has outlined his commitment to local residents to increase police officer visibility. The force is currently developing a new policing model which will see more officers based in local communities. This will not only mean officers can respond to 999 calls quicker, it will also allow them to spend more time in the heart of local communities, working with partners to prevent crime at its root-cause. Chris has joined officers on patrols across the county over the last week to see their work in action. He’s visited Burton, Cannock, Rugeley, Lichfield, Burslem, Hanley, Leek and Codsall and plans to visit more local areas over the coming weeks. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed getting out and about across the city and the county recently and meeting local people to fully understand local issues. “It is clear that our communities want to see more officers and want our local teams to have an in-depth understanding of some of the challenges they face every day. I, too, share this wish and I am committed to growing our local teams.  “But we only have a finite number of resources. Staffordshire Police is one of the most stretched police forces in the country with one of the fewest number of police officers per head of the population. “Whilst we may not be able to increase officer numbers overnight, what we can do is look at where our officers are based. Having an increased number of officers at local bases will reduce travel time and increase the time we have to tackle the issues that matter most to communities.” Further to this, Chris says delivering a good local police service is not just about a policing model. “It means us having a local mindset in everything we do. This will allow us to provide a service that is tailored for individuals, families and communities so they feel listened to and supported. “We also need to be passionate about caring for victims of crime - protecting them and working hard to track down those individuals who cause them harm and working with others to prevent further offending. “And finally, it’s about us working with partner agencies on a local level, as effective policing cannot be delivered by the police alone.” Alongside his promise to Staffordshire communities, CC Noble has also made a clear commitment to the Staffordshire Police workforce. “Police officers, staff and volunteers work under incredibly challenging circumstances, dealing with difficult situations on a daily basis that most of us don’t witness in a lifetime. Ensuring the organisation cares for them and provides them with the right support will ensure they are in the best possible shape to serve the public.” Over the coming months Chris will be developing Staffordshire’s next policing plan, which is in keeping with the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s new Police and Crime Plan. To find out more about policing in your area, visit our website https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/a/your-area/ To report a crime, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, call 101 or call 999 in an emergency.  Email tracking gif

Officers Make 80 Force-Wide Arrests

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 Officers Make 80 Force-Wide Arrests During Operation Safer Nights


Officers from Staffordshire Police have carried out 80 force-wide arrests, including more than 40 in one night, since Operation Safer Nights launched earlier this month. The operation, which is ongoing, sees a number of local officers increase their visibility patrols around high streets and town and city centres in order to reassure communities and respond to incidents affecting night-time economies across our region during the festive period. The aim of the activity is to keep these prominent locations safe from alcohol-related violence and work with partners to ensure revellers know how to keep themselves safe, while also supporting local businesses. Latest figures, of all arrests made during the time period that the operation was running, reveal that force-wide, between 6pm on Friday (17 December), and 5am on Saturday (18 December), a total of 38 arrests were conducted. Between 6pm on Saturday (18 December), and 5am on Sunday (19 December), a further 42 were carried out across the force, with the offences recorded ranging from low-level disorder to assault. As part of the operation, new Chief Constable Chris Noble visited a number of locations across the county, on Friday (17 December). Chief Constable Noble said: “It is vitally important that I was able to go out and support local officers during the operation and be part of their visible patrols in these prominent locations within our towns and cities. “Increasing the visibility of local patrols across our region is a key priority for me and I am pleased to be able to play a part in ensuring residents and visitors feel safe while out enjoying the night-time economies that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have to offer. “I hope this reassures residents and visitors that we are continuing to do all we can to deliver local policing that matters to them, particularly in the run up to Christmas.” Neighbourhood Inspector Scott McGrath also carried out a number of visits on 17 December to support the operation. He said: “The operation so far has seen lots of really positive engagement from communities and those out enjoying the festivities. “The interactions we have had with the majority of members of the public have been very encouraging and the number of arrests made force-wide during the timeframe of the Op, show how seriously officers take any report of disruption and disorder in our towns and cities. “The operation will continue throughout the festive period to ensure everyone feels safe in our communities during the darker winter months.” To find out more about Operation Safer Nights and policing in your area, visit https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/a/your-area/  Email tracking gif

Keyless Car Thefts In Stafford

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 Keyless Car Thefts In Stafford


Staffordshire Police have overnight received two reports of theft of a vehicle . In both cases the vehicles were Ford manufacture and keyless . If you have a keyless vehicle please take precautions with your keys you can do this by placing them in a metal container or a Faraday pouch. You can also use a steering lock or park another vehicle to block your keyless vehicle in if able. 

Your Views on The Council Tax Precept

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 Opportunity To Share Your Views on The Council Tax Precept


The Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, is responsible for setting the budget for Staffordshire Police, and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, including the amount of council tax used for both services. Mr Adams is now asking people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to have their say on how much they would be prepared to pay for policing and fire & rescue services in the region. The short consultation runs until 11 January 2022 and you can have your say here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/precept22-23  Email tracking gif

New Chief Constable For Staffordshire Police

 

New Chief Constable For Staffordshire Police Starts Today


The new Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Chris Noble, has started work at the force today (Monday 13 December) and has been setting out some of his priorities for the future. Chris said: “Having served as an officer at every rank over the past 25 years, it is an absolute honour and a privilege to be appointed as Staffordshire’s Chief Constable. “Over the coming months, I will be working hard to build on the strong foundations set by previous leaders to deliver a police service which everyone in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can be proud of. “Our primary purpose is to keep people safe and protect our communities – we need the public’s help and support to do this.” Chris has previous experience in delivering such outcomes, as he formerly served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland before moving to Humberside Police in 2017 where he became Assistant Chief Constable. Speaking of his approach, Chris said: “My vision is to deliver a truly local police service in which communities develop solid relationships with their local police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) so they know who they can turn to in their time of need. “This will support us to prevent and reduce crime and ensure we provide an excellent service to the people of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. “I am also committed to ensuring victims of crime and vulnerable people get the right support at the right time. “Connecting with communities is a key component of successful policing and is something that I have advocated throughout my career, in particular when I served as commander for Belfast City Policing District for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.” Chris is also keen to work closely with partner agencies across the region, he said, “Policing is too important to be left to the police alone, and I look forward to working with our key partner agencies in Staffordshire to tackle crime at its root-cause. “Working together, we can truly keep Staffordshire safe.” To find out more about policing in your area, visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/a/your-area To report a crime, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, via www.staffordshire.police.uk, call 101 or call 999 in an emergency.  

Last Chance To Influence Your Local Police and Fire

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Last Chance To Influence Your Local Police and Fire Services


There's one week left to share your thoughts on the proposed police and fire plans for Staffordshire. Is anti-social behaviour a problem where you live? Are you concerned about road safety? Or is fire prevention a priority? What would you like to see change? Share your views in a quick, anonymous survey today on the PFCC website: https://staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk/get-involved/have-your-say/Email tracking gif

Ditch The Blade Online Chat

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 Ditch The Blade Online Chat on Thursday 18th November


This week, to support Operation Sceptre, police and partners will be highlighting the impact of knife crime through engagement and advice, while operationally using intelligence-led deployments, weapons sweeps and high-visibility patrols to target and disrupt offenders who carry and use knives. They will also be visiting retailers in order to remind staff of their responsibilities when knives are purchased. Throughout the week, officers will be reaching out to the public, including young people and parents. They will be encouraging conversations about the dangers of carrying a knife, whilst providing leaflets for families so they know what to do if they think their child may be involved in knife crime. To support friends and families with their concerns about knife crime, an online chat will take place this Thursday, 18 November, from 7pm-8pm. Officers and support agencies will be on hand to answer the queries, which can be submitted completely anonymously. If you would like to get involved you can submit your question in advance, or on the night by clicking here https://app.sli.do/event/uwxozhiy In addition, to encourage the safe disposal of knives, knife amnesty bins are located at Burton, Cannock and Longton Police Stations (from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). If you’re worried about a child and think they might be involved with knife crime, or carrying a knife, please visit our website for more advice www.staffordshire.police.uk/ditchtheblade  Email tracking gif

23m people use 123456 as A Password

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 23M People Used 123456 As A Password


Whether it’s your Facebook, Amazon, or Netflix account, the explosion in popularity of online apps and services means more and more of us have to remember an increasingly long list of passwords. Unfortunately, some of us cope with this challenge by resorting to practices that leave our data, devices and money at risk - by using the same password across multiple accounts, or by creating simple passwords that could easily be guessed by hackers. Bad password practice is more prevalent than you might think - the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre carried out analysis of passwords leaked in data breaches and found that more than 23 million users worldwide used 123456 as a password. You can read more about it here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/most-hacked-passwords-revealed-as-uk-cyber-survey-exposes-gaps-in-online-security Here are some top tips that will make your life easier and your online accounts more secure: 1: Creating memorable passwords A good way to create strong, memorable passwords is by using 3 random words. But remember, don’t use words that can be guessed (like your pet’s name). You can include numbers and symbols if you need to. For example, “RedPantsTree4!” 2: Saving passwords in your browser Saving your password in your browser means letting your web browser (such as Chrome, Safari or Edge) remember your password for you. This can help:

  • make sure you do not lose or forget your passwords
  • protect you against some cyber crime, such as fake websites

It is safer than using weak passwords, or using the same password in more than one place. Here are some useful links on how you can start saving passwords in your browser: Google ChromeMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxSafari. 3: Email account passwords If a hacker gets into your email account, they could:

  • reset your other online account passwords
  • access personal information you have saved about yourself or your business

Your email password should be strong and different to all your other passwords. This will make it harder to crack or guess. Need help changing your email account password? You can use these links to find step by step instructions: Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, BT, AOL Mail. For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends.  Email tracking gif

Theft of Pedal Cycles

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Theft of Pedal Cycles


A residential premises in the Eccleshall area was burgled on 27/10/21, & three distinctive pedal cycles were taken & still not accounted for. Details of the bikes are as follows Image one (jj02png) is a YETI SB130, Turquoise Image two (jj03png) is a SANTACRUZ, TALLBOY, yellow Image three (jj04png) is a JULIANA JOPLIN, baby blue. If you have any knowledge or seen theses bikes, please contact us & quote crime ref 0085/27/10/21  

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Cyber Crime Survey 2021

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Cyber Crime Survey 2021


    Fraud and cyber crime are the most common criminal offences in the UK. Analysis of Action Fraud reports showed that 86% of frauds had a cyber element to them. As the threat from cyber crime continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember one thing - most of it can be prevented. By following just a few practical steps, you can make it harder for cyber criminals to get into your devices and online accounts.   In order to better understand what steps you are already taking to stay secure online, we would be grateful if you would please complete the short survey we have created. Your answers will help us to determine what areas of online security we need to focus on over the coming months.   Please note:

  • The survey is completely anonymous and we don’t ask you for any personal information.
  • Survey answers will not be shared with any third parties.

  Survey link – https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/cybercrimesurvey2021/   Thank you for helping us improve our response to fraud and cyber crime in the UK.    Email tracking gif

Have Your Say on Policing etc

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Have Your Say on Policing and Fire and Rescue In Staffordshire


This is your chance to have your say on the Staffordshire Commissioner’s proposed priorities as part of the new police and fire plans. These plans set out Commissioner, Ben Adams’, priorities for the next three years and should result in fewer victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, fewer casualties on our roads, and fewer people who suffer due to fire or the actions of others. Do these plans reflect your priorities, and the concerns of your community? Your views matter, and the Staffordshire Commissioner’s office want to hear from as many people as possible. You can have your say on the plans by visiting the PFCC website before the 23rd November: https://staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk/get-involved/have-your-say/  Email tracking gif

Say No To ASB Campaign

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Neighbourhood Watch Launches Say No To Asb Campaign


Dear Patricia NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH LAUNCHES ‘SAY NO TO ASB’ CAMPAIGN Antisocial behaviour (ASB) incidents have increased over the last three years. Police forces, councils and housing associations are reporting significant spikes in ASB cases – and these are not minor incidents. They are complex and serious cases causing real harm to many people. 

45% of people say ASB is a problem where they live, and 56% of those who had either been a victim of or a witness to ASB did not report it to anyone. *

To help tackle the issue, we are running a campaign encouraging people to SAY NO TO ASB.   The campaign will run from the 25th October through to the 21st November on our social channels with key information on recognising, recording, and reporting ASB on our website: ourwatch.org.uk/asb. We are running a free online ‘SAY NO TO ASB’ webinar on 15th November at 5pm with the charity ASB Help as part of the campaign. Places are limited. To book your place, visit ourwatch.org.uk/webinars.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN

  • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share our posts to your social channels, including WhatsApp community groups, to encourage more people to SAY NO TO ASB
  • Download our ‘Recognising, Recording and Reporting ASB Guide’ from ourwatch.org.uk/asb to share with your community
  • Download our 14-day ‘ASB Diary’ from ourwatch.org.uk/asb to support you in recognising, recording, and reporting ASB incidents in your area.
  • To find out more and SAY NO TO ASB, visit  ourwatch.org.uk/asb.

If you would like a digital campaign pack, please email enquiries@ourwatch.org.uk. * Data source: Taking Back our Communities - working together to make communities safer report, commissioned in 2021 by RESOLVE, a Centre of Excellence solely focused upon community safety and antisocial behaviour Kind regards NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349  Email tracking gif

Neighbourhood Watch-October Newsletter

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Neighbourhood Watch October Our News Newsletter is Here


Dear Patricia OUR NEWS – The newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales The October edition of OUR NEWS is out and can be read here. In this edition we are thrilled to announce that Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of Captain Sir Tom Moore and Co-founder of The Captain Tom Foundation, is working with Neighbourhood Watch and Co-op Insurance to find the nation’s most remarkable neighbours in the 2021 Neighbour of the Year Awards. This edition also features articles on hate crime, ASB, fraud trends, our new safety initiative for students termed Student Watch, and more. Read the October OUR NEWS here. Best wishes NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349Email tracking gif

Recent Incidents of Keyless Van Theft

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 Recent Incidents of Keyless Van Theft


Please be aware that there has been increased keyless van theft activity in Staffordshire in recent weeks. The thefts, which are predominantly taking place in the evening and overnight, do not require access to the keys as the thieves use technology to access the unique key signal to open the van at a distance. Ford Transit vans appear to be a particularly popular choice in these theft incidents, however it’s a timely opportunity to remind all keyless van owners to be vigilant and use appropriate security measures to reduce the likelihood of being targeted. Whilst we appreciate you may not own a van yourself, we’d really appreciate your help in spreading the word if you know a friend, family member or neighbour with a van so they can take extra precautions to secure their vehicle. Tips to reduce the chances of van theft:

  • If you have a keyless vehicle consider purchasing a security pouch for your keys to block anyone accessing the unique signal.  
  • Check your doors are actually locked before walking away. Sometimes thieves use signal jammers to stop your car from locking.  
  • Keep your keys hidden from view when you get home.  
  • Consider using security measures like steering or pedal locks.  
  • Consider the use of security lights on your driveway as these can be off putting for opportunistic thieves.  
  • Consider installing gates or security bollards to make it harder for thieves to remove a vehicle from your property.

Visit our website for more vehicle security advice: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/ If you see a crime in progress please call 999. To report non urgent crime related issues or suspicious behaviour please contact us through the 101 service by private messaging us on Twitter or Facebook, reporting through our website or calling 101.  Email tracking gif

Covid Pass Scams

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 Covid Pass Scams


Beware of NHS COVID pass fraud Criminals are using the NHS COVID Pass as a way to target the public by convincing them to hand over money, financial details and personal information. They are sending imitation text messages, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS, and offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media. If you are contacted about your NHS COVID Pass: 1.Be alert to links and attachments in unexpected text messages or emails 2.Do not respond to requests for money, passwords or financial details 3.Challenge: Could it be fake? 4.Use the official NHS COVID Pass website (see below) The NHS COVID Pass is available to demonstrate your COVID-19 status either in a digital or paper format via the NHS App, the NHS website or by calling 119. For information on how to get your free NHS COVID Pass, visit www.nhs.uk/nhscovidpass What to do if you suspect you have been a victim of an NHS COVID Pass scam If you receive a call and suspect it to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you are suspicious about a text message, forward it to the number 7726, which is free-of-charge. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040 or contacting ourselves via 101, via any of the digital channels or 999 in an emergency If you have any information relating to NHS COVID Pass or vaccine certificate fraud you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers online at covidfraudhotline.org or phone on 0800 587 5030. Thank you Emma Fry PCSO 23800Email tracking gif

Think Before You Park

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 Think Before You Park


It’s the first full week back and the school run can be hectic. Staffordshire Police and our partners are urging parents and carers to park safely, considerately and legally around schools. Over the next two weeks we are highlighting the need to be aware of pedestrians, other roads users and local residents when dropping your children off or picking them up from school. Most schools have a parking policy which needs to be followed. One way to ease congestion is that if you can’t walk to school from your home consider parking further away from the school and walking the last five or 10 minutes. There are rules on parking, make sure you aren’t parking dangerously or causing issues for others. It’s important that you do NOT park:

  • on zig zags and double yellow lines
  • in a way that blocks access for emergency vehicles
  • opposite to or near to a junction
  • on a bend
  • near the brow of a hill
  • near a school entrance, bus or tram stop
  • over or on the driveway of a property
  • over a dropped kerb
  • on the pavement - this can cause problems for parents with prams, wheelchair or mobility scooter users and the elderly.
  • on or near crossing points where a school crossing patrol operates, this can impede their view, making the crossing unsafe

Another common issue is drivers leaving their engine running when waiting for their children. Idling increases the amount of exhaust fumes in the air and therefore reduces the air quality around the school where children are walking. Consider the environment and the health of the local community and turn the engine off when you’re parked up. This new school year make a resolution to be a #ParkingStar and think before you park. Residents living near to schools who have concerns or issues regarding parking can find further information on the Staffordshire County Council website here.  Email tracking gif

Help To Spread The Do Not Drug Drive Message

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 We Need Your Help To Spread The Do Not Drug Drive Message


Staffordshire Police are supporting a national campaign to highlight the consequences of driving whilst under the influence of drugs.   It's an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood. This includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs. Police officers can test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside. Even drivers that pass the roadside check can be arrested if it is suspected that their driving is impaired by drugs. This is because other drugs including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin can be tested for at a police station. The consequences of being caught drug driving are serious and can include: a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, a hefty fine, up to six months in prison and an endorsement on your licence for 11 years. These can also result in increased car insurance costs, loss of job and much more. For more information visit our information page here. Taking drugs while driving is also extremely dangerous. It impairs driving ability and increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash. To help reinforce these points to motorists, officers led by the force’s Roads Policing Unit will be putting an increased focus on drug driving in support of the campaign, which runs between Monday 16 August and Sunday 29 August. Officers will use their powers to conduct roadside drug tests during planned operations and routine patrols in a bid to deter those intent on driving whilst under the influence of drugs, putting themselves and others in danger. If you know someone is drink or drug driving please report it, providing as much information and detail as possible so they can be investigated. You can report them by direct message on Facebook or Twitter, online or by calling 101. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If there is an immediate risk to the public always call 999. Staffordshire Police is encouraging you to do your bit to keep our roads safe by spreading the #DoNotDrugDrive message and helping those you care about think twice about drug driving. It is extremely dangerous and illegal.  Email tracking gif

Neighbourhood Watch - August Newsletter

We are delighted to bring you the August 2021 edition of "Our News", the e-newsletter for all Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales.  

To view August Newsletter please click HERE

In this month's edition we introduce our new KNOWLEDGE HUB, a new resource for our volunteers to use, chat with each other, share ideas and have access to specific information designed for their role.We will be welcoming AirBnB to our partners and explaining how Neighbourhood Watch has teamed up wit other like-minded charities, such as CrimeStoppers and Get Safe Online, to form the UK's first Trust and Safety Alliance.Find out how crime and the perception of crime has changed during Covid with the results of the UCL survey.Find out how Lottie, an 8 year old from York, entered our Croods 2 competition to design a treehouse and won!  Her design has been brought to life at the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserve in Retford.  We had the pleasure of being there when the treehouse was revealed to Lottie in July and now the treehouse is open to the public for all to enjoy.We hope that you will enjoy reading our newsletter, just as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. 

Be Speed Aware

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 Be Speed Aware


Staffordshire Police are supporting a national campaign to highlight the dangers of speeding when driving.  Speeding is one of the major contributing factors in road traffic collisions. If you speed you are more likely to be involved in a crash and the chances of serious injury or death are greatly increased. The latest three years of data shows that 28 per cent of fatal collisions in Staffordshire involved a speeding vehicle. We think that’s reason enough to slow down when driving! It’s important to travel within the speed limits. Remember just a few extra miles per hour can make all the difference to your reaction, breaking distances and ultimate consequence of any collision. For example, if you are travelling at 50 mph it will take 53 metres to stop, that’s the length of an Olympic swimming pool!  Speeding can also impact other road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. Don’t be the one who stops them going home safely. If you hit a pedestrian at 30mph they have a 1 in 5 chance of being killed, or 1 in 3 if hit at 35mph. To help reinforce these points to motorists, police officers from Staffordshire Police’s dedicated Roads Policing Team will be visiting locations where speeding is known to be an issue or there is a history of serious collisions. The focus will be on stopping and educating people on the dangers of speeding but also prosecuting where necessary.   Be aware of your speed whilst driving – look for hazards and adjust your speed. Remember the speed limit is not a target.  Email tracking gif

Sling Your Hook Campaign

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 Sling Your Hook Campaign Launched By  Neighbourhood Watch To Tackle Scams


Dear Patricia We are excited to tell you more about our SLING YOUR HOOK campaign running throughout July to help tackle scams WHY ‘SLING YOUR HOOK’? The campaign taps into the psychology that scammers use to hook people in, helping you stay one step ahead and protect yourself and your loved ones against the increasing variety of scams happening every day. We’ve identified the following five behaviours scammers commonly use:

  • They imply they’re doing you a favour (reciprocity)
  • They indicate everyone else is doing this (social proof)
  • They say your only chance is to act now (urgency)
  • They act like they’re similar to you, so you like them and want to please them (connection)
  • They ask you to do one little thing which makes you do more (commitment).

We also know that often victims of scams report that in hindsight they felt something wasn’t quite right at the time.  This campaign aims to raise awareness of the tactics scammers use and encourages people to ‘stop and think’ if something doesn’t FEEL, SEEM, LOOK or SOUND right.  This allows them time to trust your gut instinct and help prevent becoming a scam victim. “Everyone likes to feel special. But watch out! If a stranger is going out of their way for you, something fishy may be going on instead. Scammers like to offer one-off deals and favours. Don’t be afraid to tell them no.” John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network How can you support this campaign?

  • LEARN: Visit our scams website pages to learn more about common scams, preventing scams, reporting scams, supporting victims and a scams campaign toolkit
  • SHARE: Follow us on our Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn channels and share our posts       
  • JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Join us for an online talk (details below)

ONLINE TALKS We are delivering a series of scams awareness online talks in partnership with the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), the National Trading Standards Scams Team (NTSST) and Avast. Anyone can attend, but we are now running waiting lists only for all the webinars apart from one! Last week we ran an online talk on ‘Exploring the psychology behind scams and how scammers are so effective at their crimes’. It was so popular we have decided to re-run it on 27th July, 5pm.  Click here to book your place. Please note – this event will not be recorded. Keep safe, NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn Neighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349Email tracking gif

Do You Know What A Ghost Broker is?

 Just 15% of people have heard of a ‘ghost broker’.* Do you know what one is? Have you ever heard of a ‘ghost broker’? No, we are not talking about things that go bump in the night – this is a lot scarier. ‘Ghost brokers’ are fraudsters who sell fake or invalid car insurance policies. Victims are sold fake insurance documents for a policy that does not exist, or for a genuine policy that has been set up using false details to lower the price of the premium. How do ‘ghost brokers’ operate? Fraudsters lure victims in with the offer of cheaper insurance premiums, usually via social media or by word-of-mouth. These individuals or groups pose as middlemen for well-known insurance companies, claiming they can offer you legitimate car insurance at a significantly cheaper price. This type of fraud is typically carried out either by forging insurance documents, falsifying your details to bring the price down, or by taking out a genuine policy for you but cancelling it soon after. Often, the victim is not aware that they have been scammed until they are involved in an accident and try to claim on the policy. Who do ‘ghost brokers’ target? ‘Ghost brokers’ tend to target vulnerable communities, including members of non-English speaking communities who may not have full knowledge of UK insurance and laws, as well as young people looking for cheaper insurance deals. Last year, Action Fraud received 694 reports of ‘ghost broking’, with almost a third (29%) coming from victims aged 17-29. The reported losses for these victims alone totalled £113,500, with each individual losing an average of £559. Figures also indicate that over half (58%) of all reports in 2020 were submitted by men. What could happen if I drive without valid insurance? As policies sold by ‘ghost brokers’ are either invalid, non-existent or fraudulent, this means that the driver is technically uninsured, meaning that you could face:

  • £300 fixed penalty notice
  • Six points on driving licence
  • Vehicle being seized and crushed

How can I protect myself from ‘ghost brokers’? There are simple steps that you can take to spot the signs of these scams and avoid being taking for a ride by ‘ghost brokers’:

  • ‘Ghost brokers’ often advertise and communicate via social media, online forums and messaging apps. If a broker is only using a mobile phone or email as a way of contact, this can be a sign of this type of crime. Fraudsters do not want to be traced after they have taken money from their victims.
  • They may also try to sell insurance policies through print adverts in pubs, clubs or bars, newsagents
  • If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you are not sure about the broker, check on the Financial Conduct Authority or the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website for a list of all authorised insurance brokers. You can also contact the insurance company directly to verify the broker’s details. You can also check to see if a car appears to be insured on the Motor Insurance Database website.
  • If you think that you have been a victim of a ghost broker, you can report your concerns to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
  • You can also contact the Insurance Fraud Bureau via its confidential Cheatline on 0800 422 0421 or on the IFB website.

*According to a YouGov survey commissioned by the IFBEmail tracking gif

Free Webinars About Scams In July

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 Free Webinars About Scams In July

Following on from our Alert last week relating to yet another online scam to look out for, I am delighted to be writing to you to invite you to join us in July for a month of weekly online webinars to expose the truths behind scams.  The webinars are FREE to attend and are open to anyone who would like to know more about scams, the psychology behind scams, prevention and how a fraud case is investigated. The webinars bring together experts in their field relating to online fraud, a topic which we are all too familiar with and can affect anyone and everyone, as our lives are played out more digitally. The dates of the webinars and their topics are as follows: 6th July, 5pm Exploring the psychology behind scams and how scammers are so effective at their crimes Paul Maskell, Fraud & Cyber Crime Prevention Manager, Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) 14th July, 5pm Insights into how a fraud case is investigated and how not to be the next victim  Ben Hobbs, Detective Sergeant; and Catriona Still, Head of Fraud Prevention & Training, Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) 23rd July 5pm Scams awareness training from the Friends Against Scams initiative The National Trading Standards Scams Team (NTSST) 30th July, 5pm Don't get hooked by scammers! What you need to know about flubot and phishing scams Christopher Budd, Senior Global Threat Communications Manager, Avast How to book your place You can click on the links within this message on each of the webinars topics to register your place or you can go to www.ourwatch.org.uk/webinars and click on the webinar that you wish to attend, you can attend all of them if you wish and so make sure that you complete the registration page for each of them.  Email tracking gif

E- Scoot Safely and Follow The Rules

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 E- Scoot Safely and Follow The Rules


We are promoting e-scooter safety over the next few weeks as part of the #EScootSafe campaign. Electric Scooters are known as e-scooters but it is important to be aware that the law differs for privately owned e-scooters compared to those that can be hired in trial areas.  There is a trial running in Stafford where e-scooters can be hired through an operator called Ginger. There are certain rules that need to be followed when using one of these though, such as:   •    To hire an e-scooter in Stafford you need to be over 18 and have a provisional, full drivers or motorcycle licence. •    They can only be used on a road or cycle path. They shouldn’t be ridden on the pavement.  •    They cannot carry more than one person.  •    Insurance provided covers scheme areas only. •    You must obey the Highway Code and ride with due care.  •    You cannot allow anyone else to use the e-scooter as the insurance only covers the person hiring it.  •    You will be prosecuted if you use one under the influence of drink or drugs.  •    E-scooters should be treated as motor vehicles and if you don’t stick to the rules you can receive a fine and points on your licence.  •    It is strongly recommended that riders wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing when using an e-scooter. Privately-owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements. They can’t be insured and can only be used on private land with the permission of the land owner. Riding a privately owned e-scooter in public can result in the e-scooter being seized, a fine and points being added to the rider’s licence. For more information on e-scooters click here.  Email tracking gif

June Our News.. Newsletter

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 June Our News - Neighbourhood Watch National Newsletter is Here


Dear Patricia June OUR NEWS – The national newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters We are pleased to share with you our June newsletter – click here to view it or download it below. Neighbourhood Watch Week (5th – 11th June) is almost upon us and with so many online and face-to-face ways to LISTEN. TALK. DO! with your community - how will you be joining in? Will you have having a Covid-19 safe Big Lunch? Will you be booking onto a crime prevention webinar? Find out more in the newsletter and drop a quick email to enquiries@ourwatch.org.uk to let us know what you have planned! Thank you to everyone who shared our PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign – to watch the very informative recorded webinar follow the link in the  newsletter. For anyone who has a spare few minutes please take a moment to complete our Insights Survey (details below) and share the below with all you contacts – whether they are Neighbourhood Watch supporters or not. All the feedback we receive is so valuable to us. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ANNUAL INSIGHTS SURVEY - CLOSING SOON A key part of our strategy is to promote the perception of Neighbourhood Watch as “neighbours watching out for each other, building safer and more inclusive communities”. To do this effectively, we need to better understand the current public perception of Neighbourhood Watch by members and non-members alike. Please take a moment to complete our survey and share this link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FPPJ22X with your friends and colleagues - even those who are not Neighbourhood Watch members so we can obtain as broad a range of views from as diverse a range of people as possible. All the best, NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349  

Attachments

June 2021 OUR NEWS.pdf - 9,840.5 KB

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Belt-up every time you are in a vehicle

Belt-up every time you are in a vehicle

 


Staffordshire Police want to highlight the dangers of not wearing a seat belt when in a vehicle. Seatbelts are designed to keep you in your seat, and prevent or reduce injuries suffered in a crash. You’re twice as likely to die in a car crash if you’re not wearing a seatbelt. Not only is not wearing a seat belt deadly, it’s costly too. You can face an on-the-spot fine of £100 if found not wearing one in the front or back of a vehicle. If prosecuted, the maximum fine is £500. Always make sure children are buckled up in your car too. They must use a child car seat until they’re 12-years-old, or 135 centimetres tall, and it is the driver's responsibility to ensure that children under the age of 14 years are restrained correctly in accordance with the law. Ensure your car seat is the right one for your child’s height and weight and for your car - not all seats fit all cars. It also needs to conform to standards and regulations. When fitting a car seat make sure it is correctly fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can find out more information on child car seats here. Please help us make Staffordshire’s roads safer by belting up every time you are in a vehicle and encourage your friends and family to do so too. It takes a second to do and that second could be the difference between life and death.   

Suspicious Male

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 Suspicious Male


During the early hours of Friday 14th May, a suspicious male was seen around Tulip Walk & Daffodil Drive, trying to open garage doors. The only description given was that he was tall and skinny, wearing dark coloured clothes. If you have any information that could help us with our enquiries, please contacted us on 101 and quote ref 0070/14/05/21.Email tracking gif

Protect Your Pooch

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 Protect Your Pooch - A New Dog Theft Campaign Launched By Neighbourhood Watch


Dear Patricia Alker In response to the increased fear of pet theft, Neighbourhood Watch has launched our PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign.  The campaign will run on social media from 17th – 30th May but those who do not use social media can support the campaign by displaying this poster in their community, or attending our online Dog Theft webinar on the 27th May at 5pm.  The webinar will be led by Neighbourhood Watch Network with speakers from the Met Police and Crimestoppers, as well as special guest speaker Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex. To book your place, click here. The PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign encourages people to keep their pets SECURE, IN SIGHT and SEARCHABLE, and to HELP MAKE PET THEFT A SPECIFIC CRIMINAL OFFENCE.  The Met Police and Crimestoppers are backing our SECURE, IN SIGHT and SEARCHABLE message.  More information on the campaign can be found on www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch.  You can support the campaign by acting on our advice and sharing our messages in the following ways:

  1. Follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn and share our campaign posts  
  2. Print this poster and display it in your community  
  3. Share this campaign image on your local Whatsapp groups  
  4. Help make pet theft a specific criminal offence by signing a petition or writing to your MP. Find out more on www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch  
  5. Attend our online Dog Theft webinar on 27th May, 5pm. Book your place here.

About guest speaker Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex Katy Bourne is in her third term as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex. She was first elected in 2012, re-elected in 2016 and again in 2021.  The PCC’s role is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the Force; effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve. Katy is responsible for setting the strategic direction and priorities for Sussex Police through the Police & Crime Plan. This includes setting the police budget and local police precept – the amount residents pay for policing in their council tax. She also has a statutory duty to deliver community safety initiatives including Restorative Justice and crime reduction grants, along with commissioning support services for victims of crime. Her genuine passion and commitment to making a difference has won her praise from successive Home Secretaries and Prime Ministers and in June 2019 she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. For anybody who wishes to have a PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign pack, please email Deborah.waller@ourwatch.org.uk. Keep safe, NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349Email tracking gif

Payment Scam Made Through Social Media

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 Payment Scam For Purchases Made Through Social Media


If you sell goods online, or know friends or family members who do, please be aware of a current scam. We’ve been made aware that some residents selling items through social media are being targeted. The scammers pose as buyers, expressing an interest in items advertised for sale on social media.  When the buyer arrives to collect the item, they offer to pay for it via bank transfer and show a screenshot of an approved transaction, explaining that the money will be in the sellers account in a few hours. Thinking everything is legitimate the seller hands over the item, however the money for the item is never received. Anyone selling goods online is advised to check with their bank that any payments have cleared their account before handing over goods.  Email tracking gif

Parcel Fee Scam

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 Parcel Fee Scam


Be wary of fake emails claiming you need to pay a shipping fee to retrieve a parcel. These have become increasingly common, taking advantage of the changes to customs arrangements following Brexit. Criminals are experts at creating spoof emails that use the official logo & branding of trusted organisations to trick you into taking urgent action by clicking on links without close inspection. If you’re concerned about an email you’ve received contact the organisation directly using a known email or phone number instead of clicking on links. You can protect others from falling for this scam by forwarding any scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk If you think you’ve fallen for this scam, contact your bank immediately on a number you know to be correct, such as the one on the back of your bank card. You should also report it to Action Fraud by visiting their website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or calling 0300 123 2040.  Email tracking gif

Police Highlight Four Signs of Stalking

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 Police Highlight Four Signs of Stalking


Staffordshire Police are supporting National Stalking Awareness week to help raise awareness of the signs of stalking. The campaign features a video which focuses on the FOUR warning signs that someone’s behaviour amounts to stalking: Fixated: Being followed on your daily routine, spied on, or being watched. Obsession: Being monitored on or offline, cyberstalking, the ordering and cancelling of items in your name Unwanted: Gifts being sent; unwanted messages, letters or phone calls. Even damage or graffiti being caused to your property. Repeated: This can be any nuisance or threatening behaviour, being approached, accosted or bullied repeatedly. If you or someone you know is experiencing this type of behaviour please seek help now. You can private message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter, call 101 or report via the website. You should always call 999 in an emergency. There are several charities that can offer help and advice and their details can be found here. The Hollie Gazzard Trust has also created Hollie Guard – an app which transforms a mobile phone into a personal safety device. A simple shake or tap of you mobile activates Hollie Guard, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones. To download the app, or for more information click here.  Email tracking gif

Volunteer Opportunities At Staffordshire Police

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 Current Volunteer Opportunities At Staffordshire Police


We have varied volunteer roles available at Staffordshire Police, if you’d like to get involved we are currently recruiting for 2 roles: Independent Advisory Group (IAG) members and Cadet Leaders. Independent Advisory Group (IAG) members Would you like to represent your community? In this role we are looking for volunteers to act as 'critical appraisers' providing independent, supportive challenge to the police as well as acting as a liaison with local communities on key policing matters. Cadet Leader Are you able to inspire others to fulfil their potential? We are looking for volunteers to provide a leadership role in a police cadet unit, ensuring the development, wellbeing and safety of our cadets. This will include supporting cadets in classroom-based learning as well as engaging with local communities through projects and events. If you’re interested in either role please register your interest by Friday 30th April 2021. Visit our website to view more information on these volunteering opportunities and to register your interest: https://careers.staffordshire.police.uk/volunteers/  Email tracking gif

PROTECT YOUR CAR campaign

PROTECT YOUR CAR campaign Car crime is a real problem in the UK. Alarmingly, one car is stolen every ten minutes.(1) With Covid-19 and the recent lockdowns, many people aren’t driving or checking on their cars as much as they used to. At Neighbourhood Watch, we need your help to remind car owners to remain vigilant about where and how they park their cars, in order to keep them safe.  John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, says

"Most car crimes happen because cars are left unlocked.  There is a misconception that some cars are auto-locking and lock themselves if left unattended after a period of time. This isn’t always correct.  Another misconception is that your car is too old and no one will bother stealing it.  This is also incorrect – both new and old cars are at risk. Having a car stolen or broken into is more than simply a hassle, it can impact on people’s livelihoods.  The good news is that there are simple steps everyone can take to help reduce the risk to their car. With only a 46% recovery rate3 we’re reminding everyone to leave your car locked, lit and empty.”

Remember - Leave your car:

  1. Locked (2)   A simple mistake that can prove calamitous: 44% of cars are broken into via an unlocked door. Leave your car locked video.
  2. Lit (2) 80% of car crime occurs during the evening or at night. Parking near street lamps or in a busy area can deter thieves. Leave your car lit video.
  3. Empty (or with no items on show)  Owners often forget that personal belongings within the car are at as much risk of being stolen as the car itself.   Leave your car empty video.

John Hayward-Cripps continues

“Car thieves are opportunists. Leaving items on a car seat or forgetting to lock your car can act as an invitation for crime. We want to instil the habit of double-checking where and how you’ve parked with our three simple steps: leave it locked, lit and empty.  As a local charity with a trusted voice in the community, we’re asking everyone to proactively support their neighbours and friends by sharing our three steps with three others. By spreading the word, we’re confident we can crack down on car crime which can be deeply distressing and debilitating for its victims.”

How to support our campaign:  

LEARN: Visit www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourcar for top tips and advice on keeping your vehicle safe.

​​​​​​​FOLLOW: Follow us on our social channels (Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn) to share our messages within your communities. Tag #ProtectYourCar

SHARE: Forward this email to your friends and family, or download this image and share it on WhatsApp with the following message ‘Car crime remains a pressing problem in the UK – alarmingly, one car is stolen every ten minutes. The vast majority of car crimes happen through unlocked cars, parked in badly lit areas and where there are visible items to steal.  Remember these simple steps to keep your car safe… leave it locked, lit and empty.  For more top tops visit www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourcar

For more information, including requests for a press release or campaign pack, please contact our Senior Communications and Digital Manager Deborah Waller on Deborah.waller@ourwatch.org.uk   Data sourced from: (1)  ITV: ITV, 2020 (2)  ONS data:  https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/crimeinenglandandwalesappendixtables (3)  OPAL and Police National Computer: https://www.npcc.police.uk/NationalPolicing/OPALNationalIntelligenceUnitforSeriousOrganisedAcq.aspx Best Regards Neighbourhood Watch Network (the national umbrella charity for Neighbourhood Watches across England and Wales)  

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Scams

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  Scams


We have been made aware of numerous SCAMS that are currently going around. Those brought to our attention are from: DVLA (email), stating that your vehicle is not taxed, & to use your credit card, rather than debit card. BT calling to advise that your contract is about to expire, & to click on the following link for more details. BT have been contacted and say they have not and never would make such a call. More alarmingly however, a victim was contacted by someone purporting to be from their bank, informing them that their account had been compromised, & to transfer their savings to a "safe" account & as a result, a substantial amount of money was lost. These offenders are very convincing & can catch anyone off guard with this type of contact. Remember, that your bank will NEVER ask you for your passwords, PIN numbers, or send a courier around to you to collect money. Also, do not call them back on the number they phoned you on. as this will more than likely be a "cloned" number & not traceable.  Email tracking gif

Police Officer Recruitment Scheme Opens Today

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 Police Officer Recruitment Through The Pcda Scheme Opens Today


If you’ve ever wanted to be a Police Officer, or know a friend or family member who does, you may be interested in our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) scheme which has launched a new recruitment drive today. Open for applications until midday Monday April 19th, the three year PCDA scheme enables successful applicants to get experience of working on the beat whilst also studying for a degree in Professional Policing Practice at Staffordshire University. Those interested in applying are encouraged to join an online chat this Thursday (April 1st) between 6pm and 7pm. The chat, which is taking place on the Staffordshire Police Facebook page, will feature a panel of experts including serving officers, HR and a course leader from Staffordshire University. For more information about the role, or to make an application, visit the Staffordshire Police website https://careers.staffordshire.police.uk/  Email tracking gif

Worried About Getting Hacked?

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 Worried About Getting Hacked?


Dear Subscriber, Over 15,000 hacked email and social media accounts reported in one year. If a hacker got into your email or social media account, what would they find? Health and banking information? Names and contact details for your friends and family? Private photos and messages? For most people, it’s at least one of those. Your email and social media accounts contain a wealth of personal information about you, which makes them a lucrative target for cyber criminals. Between February 2020 and February 2021, Action Fraud received 15,214 reports about email and social media account hacking. The majority of reports (88%) were made by individuals, with 12% of reports being made by businesses. Analysis of the crime reports revealed that Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat were the most affected social media accounts, with phishing messages being the most common tactic used by cyber criminals to lure unsuspecting victims. The motivation behind the hacks are varied and can range from financial gain, to revenge or personal amusement. Some victims are extorted for money, whilst others have their accounts used to send malicious links to their contacts. One victim who had multiple email and social media accounts hacked paid over £2,000 to regain access to them. Another victim reported that her hacked Facebook account was used to trick her friends into sending money into a PayPal account they thought belonged to her. Secure your email and social media accounts in just a few minutes. Here's what you need to do: 1: Use a strong and separate password for your email, as well as other important accounts, such as  your banking or social media accounts. 2: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It will help to stop hackers from getting into your online accounts, even if they have your password. 3: If you can't access your account, search the company's online support or help pages. You'll find information about how to recover your account. For detailed instructions on how to reset your password or enable 2FA on your accounts, visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/secureyouraccounts (Please forward this email to any friends, family members or colleagues that may find this information useful)  Email tracking gif

National Firearms and Knife Surrender

 

One Month Left To Claim Your Compensation In the National Firearms and Knife Surrender


Time is running out to hand in any prohibited weapons as the national firearms and knife surrender compensation scheme draws to an end on 9th March. 45 items are now prohibited and need to be surrendered. It is important that these dangerous weapons are handed in so leaving your home to do so is allowed. Certain prohibited items, handed in with the relevant paperwork during the surrender period, will receive at least £30 compensation. The item will be sent to the Home Office for valuation and they will organise payment directly with you. The compensation will not be provided by Staffordshire Police. Have a weapon to surrender? You can do so at Cannock Police Station from Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. You will need:

  • Your weapon – wrapped up accordingly
  • Relevant forms
  • Proof of ownership

Weapons must be transported to the police station in a safe way that does not cause alarm to others. And you must adhere to relevant Covid guidelines and obey the instructions on the signage. If you are an owner of a prohibited firearm we will contact you to arrange an appointment for collection. For more information: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/campaigns/2020/firearms-and-offensive-weapons-surrender/Image removed by sender. Email tracking gif

Can You Help Police To Disrupt County Lines Activity?

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 Can You Help Police To Disrupt County Lines Activity?


The term County Lines describes gangs and organised criminal networks involved in moving illegal drugs into other areas of the country, often smaller areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines known as ‘deal lines.’ Dealers will take orders from drug users through mobile phones and take advantage of children and vulnerable people to move and store drugs and money. Often they do this through blackmail, intimidation and violence. We are committed to cracking down on this crime and information from witnesses and local communities is vital if we are to obtain the evidence needed to arrest and prosecute members of organised crime gangs. You can call Crimestoppers anonymously 24 hours a day by dialling 0800 555 111. We also want to identify young people who are at risk of criminality, so we can help divert them away from criminal exploitation. If you are worried that someone you know is involved in County Lines activity there is more information on spotting the signs and how you can report on our website: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/countylines  Email tracking gif

Help Keep Our Roads Safe By Going Phone Free

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 Help Keep Our Roads Safe By Going Phone Free


This month we are supporting a National Police Chiefs Council’s (NPCC) campaign to highlights the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving.  The national lockdown means only essential journeys should be made but if you are using the roads, we want you to be safe. Go phone free by either: •    Putting your phone away in the glove box •    Turning it off  •    Using settings or an app that blocks calls and messages. Using your phone while driving makes you four times more likely to crash and did you know that texting causes 25 per cent of all car accidents?  And it’s not just calls and texts, you shouldn’t look at social media notifications and skip songs on your phone while driving either. You can be just as preoccupied using a hands free system too so the safest thing is to not use your phone at all. Using a mobile phone at the wheel in any way puts you and others at much higher risk as once you’re distracted it only takes three seconds for a car crash to occur. Sadly our officers do stop people for using their phones on our roads every single day. During February they’ll be stepping up these proactive patrols and if you’re caught you’ll receive six points and a £200 fine. The message is simple. Please help us make Staffordshire’s roads safer by going phone free.   Email tracking gif

Our News Newsletter - Feb Edition

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  Our News Newsletter - Feb Edition


Dear Patricia We pleased to announce our February OUR NEWS newsletter is attached or can be read by clicking on this link. This monthly newsletter, created by Neighbourhood Watch Network (the umbrella organisation for Neighbourhood Watch across England and Wales), is for all supporters of Neighbourhood Watch, from households to volunteers, such as scheme Coordinators or Association Leads. This month we have a look at how to spot a Covid-19 vaccine scam and how to spot a romance scam. We introduce to you our new rural crime section on our website and our new #DrugsKnowMore campaign - a campaign soon to be launched designed by young people for young people.  In partnership with Co-op Insurance we remind you of the fantastic opportunity available for children to engage with Neighbourhood Watch by designing a treehouse to be built for their community. We also invite Coordinators to attend upcoming workshops, and ask everyone to save the date of 5th – 11th June for Neighbourhood Watch Week 2021. Follow us.. Website: ourwatch.org.uk Facebook: facebook.com/ourwatch Twitter: twitter.com/N_watch Instagram: neighbourhood.watch.insta LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/neighbourhood-watch/

Attachments

OUR NEWS Feb 2021.pdf - 5,335.2 KB

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County Lines In 60 Seconds

 

County Lines In 60 Seconds


County Line is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas [within the UK], using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”. They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to move [and store] the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons. What is it? • Generally we use this term for urban gangs supplying drugs to suburban areas and market towns using dedicated deal lines - mainly Heroin and Cocaine. • It is used to describe situations where children or young people may be internally (inside the United Kingdom) trafficked for the purpose of criminal exploitation. • These gangs use children and vulnerable people to move drugs and money. • There is currently no legal definition of county lines. • There is no “offence “of county lines – it is a Modern Slavery Human Trafficking offence. Exploitation of young and vulnerable people A common feature in county lines drug supply is the exploitation of young and vulnerable people. The dealers will frequently target children and adults - often with mental health or addiction problems - to act as drug runners or move cash so they can stay under the radar of law enforcement. In some cases the dealers will take over a local property, normally belonging to a vulnerable person, and use it to operate their criminal activity from. This is known as cuckooing. People exploited in this way will quite often be exposed to physical, mental and sexual abuse, and in some instances will be trafficked to areas a long way from home as part of the network's drug dealing business. As we have seen in child sexual exploitation, children often don't see themselves as victims or realise they have been groomed to get involved in criminality. So it's important that we all play our part to understand county lines and speak out if we have concerns. How do you know if County Lines drug dealing is happening in your area? Some signs to look out for include: •An increase in visitors and cars to a house or flat •New faces appearing at the house or flat •New and regularly changing residents (e.g different accents compared to local accent •Change in resident's mood and/or demeanour (e.g. secretive/ withdrawn/ aggressive/ emotional) •Substance misuse and/or drug paraphernalia •Changes in the way young people you might know dress •Unexplained, sometimes unaffordable new things (e.g clothes, jewellery, cars etc) •Residents or young people you know going missing, maybe for long periods of time •Young people seen in different cars/taxis driven by unknown adults •Young people seeming unfamiliar with your community or where they are •Truancy, exclusion, disengagement from school •An increase in anti-social behaviour in the community •Unexplained injuries What to do if you have concerns The best advice is to trust your instincts. Even if someone isn't involved in county lines drug dealing, they may be being exploited in some other way, so it's always worth speaking out. You can speak to your local police by dialling 101, or in an emergency 999. If you would rather remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you notice something linked to the railways, you can report concerns to the British Transport Police by texting 61016 from your mobile. In an emergency dial 999. If you are a young person who is worried about your involvement, or a friend's involvement in county lines a good option is to speak to an adult you trust and talk to them about your concerns. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111. Childline is private and confidential service where you can talk to specially trained counsellors about anything that is worrying you. Alternatively, speak to a children and young people's service like Catch 22. They work with children and young people of any age to help get them out of situations they're worried about, and have helped lots of children and young people involved in County Lines.

 

Design A Croods 2 Inspired Treehouse and Win It.

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  Design A Croods 2 Inspired Treehouse and Win It For    Your Local Community


Dear Patricia We are delighted to announce our exciting new partnership with Universal Studios and the Co-op in the launch of The Croods 2: A New Age in the UK. The film (also known as The Croods 2) is a computer-animated adventure comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film centres around values of community, neighbourliness, inclusivity, and working together. These are values that are close to the heart of all Neighbourhood Watch supporters, and as part of our initiative to reach more young families and to add to the positive and approachable perceptions of Neighbourhood Watch, the opportunity presented by this partnership was too good to pass up! The Croods and The Bettermans are thrown together, two very different families who have to learn to live with one another when an evil tribe of monkeys threaten their homes. Once safe from this threat, the Croods and the Bettermans realise that home is not a place, it’s people, and together they create history’s first neighbourhood! Neighbourhood Watch’s partnership with the film provides the opportunity to reach young families and to promote the importance of neighbourliness and community spirit to new audiences and across diverse communities. We know many young people and their families believe in the values which we stand for and this partnership gives them the introduction to becoming Neighbourhood Watch supporters for life. WIN! Design a Croods 2 inspired treehouse and win it for your local community In partnership with ‘The Croods 2: A New Age’ and Co-op, we want children up to the age of 16 to design their very own Croods 2 inspired treehouse for their local community. What’s more, the winning entry will be brought to life and built within a nearby Wildlife Trust location to be enjoyed by the public for years to come! What do you need to do to enter?

  • Head over to Co-op Insurance website to download the treehouse template and top tips for entering
  • Design a Croods 2 inspired treehouse for your local community – it can be as wacky as you want, let your imagination run wild!
  • You can draw, paint, use computer software or even cave drawings to create your design, but above all be sure to think about how this could be used by the community and bring a lot of fun.
  • Share the design on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #Croods2Treehouse and tag Co-op (@coopukinsurance on Facebook and Twitter) and Neighbourhood Watch Network (Facebook: @ourwatch; Twitter: @N_Watch and Instagram: @neighbourhood.watch.insta) to enter.
  • The competition closes on 22nd February and the winner will be contacted within 5 days via social media. The treehouse will be built by 26th March, just in time for the film’s release and Easter holidays!
  • See the attached flyer, or click here, for more details.

How to support the campaign We rely on the amazing Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and supporters to spread the messages of Neighbourhood Watch and to provide the first step for all people to connect with their neighbours for mutual support, a key strategic goal. We hope that you will promote this campaign within your community and use it to reach more families within your area.   We have secured some amazing prizes to be won over the course of the partnership. See the attached a fun activity pack (or view it on our website here) to keep children entertained whilst they are home schooling. Please feel free to share this with families in your area.  If you cannot print at home and would like an activity pack and competition entry template posted directly to your door along with a treehouse template to enter the competition please email croods2@isg.media. To support this campaign, you can:

  • SHARE: Follow us on social media to share our posts on the partnership and competitions
  • INFORM: Share this email and the attached flyer and activity pack with your community. This could be via email, WhatsApp or in your local newsletter
  • WATCH: Go and see the film (COVID-19 restrictions dependant) when it comes out on the 26th March! 

Neighbourhood Watch and Croods 2 special edition logo The Neighbourhood Watch brand and iconic yellow roundel is undeniably widely recognised across the UK. To celebrate this partnership, we have created a unique and playful adaptation of our logo featuring The Croods and The Bettermans to be used on all material supporting the partnership.  We will be using the fresh and fun adapted logo on all our social media channels, within our website and on all materials created for this partnership.  We hope you are as excited as we are by this unique partnership and the opportunity it presents for Neighbourhood Watch to engage young people. If you would like more information visit www.ourwatch.org.uk/croods2 or email Deborah.waller@ourwatch.org.uk Central Support Team NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK Follow us.. Website: ourwatch.org.uk Facebook: facebook.com/ourwatch Twitter: twitter.com/N_watch Instagram: neighbourhood.watch.insta LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/neighbourhood-watch/

Attachments

Croods 2 competition flyer.pdf - 613.4 KB

Croods 2 Childrens Activity Pack.pdf - 11,319.6 KB

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New Phone Scam

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   New Phone Scam


We are receiving information of a new phone scam . The person receiving the call is asked questions about their electrical appliance(s), make of T.V, washing machine, or told that their extended warranty is about to expire, & can be renewed at a lower cost. They will then ask for your bank details (sort code & account number), possibly to set up a standing order in your name & account. As always, our advice is NOT to give out any of your personal details to anyone cold calling over the 'phone, internet or calling at your home. RegardsEmail tracking gif

Firearms and Knife Surrender Scheme

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 Firearms and Knife Surrender Scheme


A firearms and knife surrender compensation scheme has been launched nationally by the Home Office and will run until 9th March. 45 items are now prohibited and need to be surrendered. It is important that these dangerous weapons are handed in so leaving your home to do so is allowed. Those handing in certain prohibited items with the relevant paperwork during the surrender period will receive at least £30 compensation. They will be sent to the Home Office for valuation and organisation of payment direct to the owner. The compensation will not be provided by Staffordshire Police. You can surrender a weapon at Cannock Police Station from Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. You will need:

  • Your weapon – wrapped up accordingly
  • Relevant forms
  • Proof of ownership

Weapons must be transported to the police station in a safe way that does not cause alarm to others. And you must adhere to relevant Covid guidelines and obey the instructions on the signage. If you are an owner of a prohibited firearm we will contact you to arrange an appointment for collection. For more information: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/campaigns/2020/firearms-and-offensive-weapons-surrender/  Email tracking gif

 

Alert - Coronavirus Vaccination Scams


As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website. Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said:  “Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.” How to protect yourself: In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment. The NHS will never:

  • ask for your bank account or card details
  • ask for your PIN or banking passwords
  • arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
  • ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.  

NHS Vaccine Text Message Scam

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  Nhs Vaccine Text Message Scam


Please watch out for a text message claiming to be from the NHS, which says you are eligible to apply for a vaccine and includes a link asking you to click through to apply.  The link takes you to a fake NHS website and asks you for payment and other personal details. Please be vigilant, and remember that the NHS will never ask for payment for the vaccine.  If you receive this message please do not respond or click the link. You can report any suspect texts or emails to Action Fraud through their website or by calling 0300 123 2040. Please share this warning with elderly and vulnerable friends and family members so we can prevent as many people as possible from falling victim to this scam.  Email tracking gif

Keyless Car Theft

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 Keyless Car Theft


High value keyless cars are being increasingly targeted by thieves. Theft incidents have occurred across Staffordshire in the last couple of months but they’re currently more prevalent in the South of the County with multiple incidents reported in Tamworth, Cannock and South Staffordshire.  Using technology thieves are able to intercept the unique key signal allowing them to access and steal a keyless car, or belongings inside the car, without ever having the keys. Most of the recent thefts have occurred overnight and high value cars have become common targets due to their resale values. If you have a keyless car:

  • Consider purchasing a key security pouch (a faraday pouch) if you have a keyless car. These block the ability of thieves to access the key signal.
  • Always check your car doors have locked after pressing your key fob.
  • Park in a garage if possible.
  • Consider using a steering lock.

For more tips to secure your car visit our website https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-of-a-vehicle/vehicle-attracting-thieves/ If you see any suspicious behaviour in your area you can report this to us by calling 101 or contacting us on Facebook or Twitter. In an emergency always call 999.  Email tracking gif

Consultation Survey For Police Fire and Rescue

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     Consultation Survey from the Staffordshire                     Commissioner For Police Fire and Rescue and             Crime


Sent on behalf of the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime: Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis is urging people to speak up loudly and clearly on which of three options they should pay towards policing and fire and rescue services in the county and city. The Commissioner is required to set the amount local people pay towards policing and fire and rescue each financial year. He has said it is now more important than ever that he hears from as many people as possible about what they feel they can afford to pay and should pay towards emergency services. You can share your thoughts by completing the short survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/staffsprecept The survey will be open until January 18th.  Email tracking gif