Community Watch

Last updated 7/10/2017

Home Watch in Preston Brook exists to help improve the well-being and safety of the residents of the parish.

We try to ensure that you are kept up to date with all the scams and crimes being committed in the area so that you are more aware, so that it is less likely to happen to you.

Whilst Preston Brook is a relatively safe place to live, we believe that being more aware can help protect. In that vein, if you have an incident, even if nothing is stolen, please tell both the Police and Mike Byrne about it. That way the Police can see if there is a pattern to the crime and possibly spend longer in our Parish and Mike can alert us all via this website.

If you have issues that you believe we could help with, please contact us or if you would like more information, please contact Mike Byrne on 01928 717298.

Preston Brook Resident advice
The advice given by one of our local PCSOs included:-

Ensure that the windows and doors of your property are securely locked.
Do not leave your garage open and unattended
Car keys should not be left in view or where they can be hooked through the letter box (modern cars are very difficult to steal without the key)
Ensure that cars are left locked ( in 2015 we had several items stolen from vehicles which had been left unlocked overnight)
Do not leave visible what could be taken as valuable items (e.g. leaving a tempting M&S bag, even if you are reusing it, on show is not worth getting your car window broken.)
If you have an alarm use it.

Remember in an emergency phone 999

For non emergency calls or to leave a message for your PCSO use 101.

Our current PCSO is Emma Hamilton-Kent. Emma, is a very approachable, experienced PCSO who will gladly sort out any Police related queries that you might have.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

Help us keep your home secure by following our 10 Top Tips: 1.Don't leave your keys or ID documents within easy reach of doors, letterboxes or windows. 2.Close and lock all doors and windows. If you have multi-locking door handles, lift the handle, lock it with the key and remove it - LIFT - LOCK - REMOVE. Put the key in a safe place out of sight in case of fire. 3.Lock garages and sheds so garden tools and ladders can’t be used to break into your home. 4.Keep side gates locked and wheelie bins stored behind them. 5.Use timer switches linked to lights and a radio so it appears that someone is at home. 6.Invest in a safe for valuables and sentimental items and securely fix it to a solid surface. 7.Install a visible intruder alarm system - burglars don't want to be seen or heard. 8.Install low level 'dusk till dawn' lighting to increase visibility and deter burglars. 9.Keep side and rear boundaries high to restrict access and front boundaries low to remove hiding places. 10.Photograph and mark valuables and sentimental items with your postcode and house number/name. Register items with serial numbers at: www. immobilise.com BONUS TIP! - Please think about how you dispose of new items in your home

Immobilise
Immobilise is the world's largest free register of possession ownership details. These details are searchable by all UK Police Forces and form a very effective tool in helping to identify and return recovered, lost or stolen personal property to its rightful owner. These details are held on a secure system that is approved to Government standards. Can I register my mobile phone? –Yes, you will need to create an account that you have total control over. You will need the IMEI number, make and model of your phone. You can enter other property on your account and will need descriptions, serial numbers and photographs of your prized possessions. How do I get the IMEI number of my phone? - The IMEI is usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the handset, except on iPhones where it is located on a pull-out tray. It can also be displayed on the screen of the phone by entering *#06# into the keypad. If your phone is new, the IMEI should also be labelled on the side of the box. Your network provider can also provide you with your IMEI. What happens when my phone is registered? - Should your phone be lost or stolen, and Police recover it, they can quickly establish who the real owner is and restore the property. Can I highlight my phone as stolen on my account? - Yes, Immobilise has a feature for the owner of a phone to instantly update the status on their account as lost or stolen. It is still essential that you report it to your network and police if stolen. Please visit the immobilise website to register your items by clicking this hyperlink https://www.immobilise.com/

Cheshire Alert
I realise that I have sent all members this update via Cheshire police alert, however I am asking that you recommend the Alert service to all of your friends, family and colleagues. They can either sign up themselves or ask any PCSO or police officer including myself to sign them up. This way police officers and I can contact a great number of people with any important updates or alerts. (Including the monthly newsletter) Sign up at… https://www.cheshirepolicealert.co.uk/ Or if they prefer, you can call 101 and ask that an officer signs them up! Easy! ‘Cheshire Police Alert is the community messaging system brought to you by Cheshire Constabulary and servicing the whole of Cheshire. By registering with Cheshire Police Alert, you receive news and appeals, local crime information and crime prevention advice - direct to you as an e-mail, mobile text or voice message. Registering with this site is completely free, and not only allows you to receive messages about your local area, but also allows you to feed back information to your local policing teams to help them better police your neighbourhood’

The ‘Little Book of BIG Scams’ has arrived in Cheshire, providing all the information you need to help minimise the chances of becoming a victim of fraud.

The booklet provides a comprehensive guide on fraud prevention, explaining some of the most common scams in existence and providing essential advice on how to reduce the chances of being scammed.

Detective Sergeant Ian Robinson, from the Economic Crime Unit, said: “Fraudsters have many ways of seeking to gain our confidence; they are manipulative, imaginative and creative when convincing us to part from our savings.

“Anyone could become a victim of fraud and the effects on victims can be devastating, but by spending time reading this booklet now you could save yourself or somebody close to you, a lot of money and heartache in the future.”

The ‘Little Book of Big Scams’ was originally launched by the Metropolitan Police in 2012, and following its success it has now been adopted by Cheshire Police.

The52-page booklet is designed to raise awareness of the varied techniques which are being used by fraudsters across the country to part innocent members of the public with their cash. The guide includes advice on a wide range of scams, including identity theft, door-to-door scams, online fraud and banking scams.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “This booklet is packed with all the latest information on fraud prevention and provides essential tips on how to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of fraud.

“I’d encourage all residents to take some time to have a read through this publication and learn some of the easy steps that you can take to help protect yourself and others.”

The ‘Little Book of Big Scams’ can be downloaded from the Cheshire Police website at: https://cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/fraud-and-scams/the-little-book-of-big-scams.
October 2017

iCAN Warning: Convincing scam email about your BT email account
A Runcorn resident has received an email which is a convincing scam. The email gives 24 hours’ notice that your email address will stop working unless you add it to your Broadband account at the link they provide. You are also told that unless you do this before the deadline you will lose all of your messages and contacts. Scammers often use short deadlines and scare tactics to get you to act quickly without checking things out first.

If you receive this email, delete it without opening or clicking on any links.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Runcorn Local Policing Unit Daresbury, PrestonBrook, Sandymoor & Manor Park. Newsletter September 2017 Beat Managers Update
The summer holidays are over and the kids are back in school! Time for a well-earned break for parents! Local officers met some children and parents welcoming them back to school on their first few days. I am pleased to report that on the whole we had an uneventful school holiday period with low levels of Anti- Social Behaviour tackled swiftly. We now turn our attention to the upcoming Halloween and Bon-fire night celebrations which unfortunately is a time when we see a spike in Anti-Social Behaviour. Rest assured plans are in place to tackle any behaviour that causes alarm or distress to residents. Parents can help this year by knowing where your children / teenagers are at night. Anyone caught acting in an anti-social manner or committing offences will be dealt with robustly which could include arrest and prosecution, which may in turn have a negative effect on social landlord tenancies. PC Simon SAUL & PCSO Emma HAMILTON-KENT Contact details: Office Tel: 01606 365509 simon.saul@cheshire.pnn.police.uk Emma.hamilton-kent@cheshire.pnn.police.uk
Community First Meetings / Police surgery - upcoming meetings October 4th – Moore. The Milner Institute 7.30pm October 17th – Preston Brook Village Hall 7.30pm October 18th – Daresbury Village Hall 7.30pm October 19th – Sandymoor School 7.30pm Your Local Policing Team... News Stories From Your Local Area Crime Updates - September 2017 At the time of writing (29/09/2017) Cheshire police have responded and attended to 132 incidents within your area in September and carried out 2 arrests - these incidents varied in seriousness however include domestic incidents, assaults, burglaries, thefts, Anti-social behaviour, concern for welfare, missing persons, drug offences, Sexual offences & Vehicle crime . If you would like to discuss anything face to face or raise any concerns within your neighbourhood/ community, please feel free to attend at one of the Police Community First meetings which have been ‘piggybacked ‘ onto the Local Parish Council meetings. The dates of which can be found on the front sheet of this newsletter. Incidents of note On 11/09/2017, following a domestic related incident in the Sandymoor area, a resident was assaulted in his home by a known offender. Local Officers later located and arrested a 26 year old male, whom was subsequently charged with the assault. The arrested male will appear before the courts. Thankfully the victim sustained only minor injuries. On 20/09/2017, Local Officers, assisted by Trading standards, executed a Warrant at an address on Sandymoor. A 46yr old male was arrested on suspicion of Illegal Money lending and later released under investigation. On the evening of Thursday 28th September 2017, an incident occurred near to the park at Otterburn Street, Sandymoor, whereby a group of youths set fire to a bin and were generally acting in an anti-social manner causing minor disruption to road users in the vicinity. Cheshire Fire Brigade were in attendance and dealt with the incident swiftly. Regrettably this incident was not reported to Police at the time. Police Officers and PCSO’s will be giving the Otterburn Street area passing attention over the next few days. If anyone has any information that may lead to the identification of those responsible, please make contact either on 101 or contact your local Beat Manager or PCSO. Also, over the past 2 weeks there have been instances of ‘Fly-Tipping’ in the Newton Lane and Morphany Lane areas of Daresbury, which have been attended to and cleared, however this is still an ongoing issuein and around the Daresbury area, with the most recent occurrence being around lunchtime on 29/09/2017 on Chester road lay-by near to The Lord Daresbury Hotel. It is believed to have been a male driver of a white Citreon Berlingo car-derived van. Again, please report any vehicle or person that you might think is unusual or acting suspiciously no matter how innocuous it seems. News Stories From Your Local Area News Stories From Your Local Area Off Road Bikes After an increase last month of nuisance off-road motorcycles, officers have been working hard to try to tackle the issue, following up on any intelligence received, working closely with local residents and housing authorities in an effort to identify offenders. This month, two vehicles have been seized by police and work is continuing to try to identify other offenders. Cheshire Police have also introduced a scheme which will come to fruition within the next 2-4 weeks, whereby SELECTA DNA sprays will be used to actively target offenders riding these vehicles in order that they can be identified at a later date, Local PCSO’s and officers are currently being trained in the use of this product. I will update in next months newsletter with the outcome of training and any positive outcomes if applicable. News Stories From Your Local Area INCREASE in THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE Please be aware of a HUGE increase in thefts from motor vehicles in the Runcorn area, a number of cars have been entered in various locations across Runcorn and it appears that the majority of offences committed have been of an opportunistic nature, given that the vehicles entered were left insecure by their owners. Please ensure that when you leave your vehicle, even for a short time, that you double check the vehicle is locked. There are ongoing investigations regarding these offences and one male has been charged in connection with a number of these offences. If you see anything suspicious, please call 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress. Please pass this information on and be extra vigilant to minimise the risk of such offences happening to you or your family and friends. News Stories From Your Local Area Cheshire Police Alert System I realise that I have sent all members this update via Cheshire police alert! However I am asking that you recommend the Alert service to all of your friends, family and colleagues, they can either sign up themselves or ask any PCSO or police officer including myself to sign them up. This way myself and other police officers can contact a great number of people with any important updates or alerts. (Including the monthly newsletter) Sign up at… https://www.cheshirepolicealert.co.uk/ Or if they prefer they can call 101 and ask an officer signs them up! Easy! ‘Cheshire Police Alert is the community messaging system brought to you by Cheshire Constabulary and servicing the whole of Cheshire. By registering with Cheshire Police Alert, you receive news and appeals, local crime information and crime prevention advice - direct to you as an e-mail, mobile text or voice message. Registering with this site is completely free, and not only allows you to receive messages about your local area, but also allows you to feed back information to your local policing teams to help them better police your neighbourhood’

September 2017

iCAN Warning: Scam email pretending to be from DHL
A Runcorn man has received a scam email telling him that his parcel is due for delivery that day.

The email is a scam. The scammer wants you to click on the link which will either download ransomware to your computer (causing it to stop working until you pay the ransom) or you will be asked to enter your personal details at the link so that your identity can be stolen.

The scammer is relying on people who are not expecting a parcel to click on the link to find out what it might be.

If you receive this email, delete it without opening or clicking on any links.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Scam email pretending to be from Insure and Go

A Runcorn resident has received a scam email which pretends to be from a genuine company.

Insure and Go have confirmed that this scam email has been targeting UK consumers.

If you receive this email, delete it without opening or clicking on any links.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Scam Facebook Friend Requests from people you think you know

A Halton resident has narrowly escaped being scammed when she received a Facebook friend request from a distant relative.

The lady has a cousin living in America with whom she occasionally has contact. The lady received a friend request from her American cousin which she thought was strange because they were already Facebook friends but, because she knew the person making the request, she accepted it again.

Her cousin then became a lot more active on Facebook sending lots of messages asking about how the family was. The cousins chatted to each other for a while but then the Halton resident became suspicious that the person she was corresponding with was not her cousin: what they said didn’t feel right and the grammar wasn’t good. Even so, the lady continued to reply to the messages.

The ‘cousin’ then said that she’d won a lot of money with a particular company, she’d seen that her English cousin had also won money with them and she should contact them to claim her winnings. The lady then suspected a scam and stopped replying.

Scammers will pose as people you already know, even setting up fake profiles and accounts, in attempt to get personal information or money from you.

If you receive a friend request from somebody that you’re already friends with:

Ask the person you’ve already accepted as your friend if they have created a new profile. If they didn’t then the request will be from a scammer so do not accept it. Your friend will want to know about the fake profile so they can warn their friends not to accept new friend requests in their name.

If you believe the profile is fake mark the user as spam.

Let Facebook know that the profile is pretending to be somebody else:

Go to the profile of the impersonating account. If you can't find it, try searching for the name used on the profile.
Click on the cover photo and select Report
Follow the on-screen instructions for impersonation to file a report

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Convincing Scam email pretending to be from PayPal

A Widnes resident has received a scam email which could easily catch people off guard.

The first sender’s address is a genuine PayPal one, followed by the scammer’s email address. People who skim read are likely to see the genuine address and read on having satisfied themselves that the message is from PayPal.

The email contains a deliberate miscalculation of the invoice amount showing a massive over-charge (supposedly one item was bought for £35.89 whilst the total invoice amount is given as £144.50) which is intended to cause alarm to the sender, prompting them to click on the link to let PayPal know of their error.

If you receive this email, delete it without opening or clicking on any links.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

August 2017 Alerts.

Subject: Keep your home secure during the holiday season
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Lisa Cooper (Police, Police Staff, Cheshire)
We’re already more than halfway through the summer break and over the coming week’s thousands of families will be off on holiday
With this in mind Cheshire Police is keen to remind people about the importance of home security.
Inspector Angela Marinari said: “The summer holidays are often a popular time families to take their annual holiday, whether that’s driving down to the coast or flying off to an exotic islands.
“With so many things to organise in preparation for your holiday, it’s easy to forget about your home security whilst you’re away – however it can be a very expensive item to forget.
“That’s why we’re keen to remind everyone of the steps they can take to help improve home security.”
There are a number of simple steps that everyone can take to make sure your home is secure whilst you’re away. These include:
Home Security:
Make sure you close and lock all of your windows and doors before you go leave the house.
Consider using a timer to set your lights and radio to come on while you’re away.
Don’t leave valuables including purses, handbags and car keys on display or near external doors
Consider security marking valuable items with your house number and postcode with a UV pen, or mark it using property marking kits which consist of a traceable liquid.
Ensure that garages and sheds are locked with strong padlocks and, ideally, fitted with an alarm
Consider installing outside lights - dusk till dawn lights with a low wattage bulb will give a constant light when needed. They switch on as it gets dark and turn off when it gets lighter.
Vehicle Security:
If you’re leaving your car at home make sure it’s secure and ensure that your keys are kept out of sight away from any windows and doors.
If you’re using airport parking make sure you don’t leave any personal items or letters within your vehicle.
If you ever use ‘Meet and Greet’ services make sure you keep hold of your house keys whilst you’re away.
If you have a garage, use it. Always lock your car and your garage door. If you don’t have a garage, park on your drive or on a well-lit street.
Never leave anything on display in your vehicle - a bag on the back seat is enough to tempt a thief
Always remove your portable Sat Nav system including any support cradles and suctions pads that are fitted to the windscreen
Inspector Marinari added: “We can’t stress enough how important it is for people to be security conscious – especially during the summer months and whilst you’re on holiday.
“We are committed to tackling this type of crime but we need the continued support of members of the public.
“We would urge you to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity in your area immediately and to address your own home security measures to make life even more difficult for opportunistic thieves.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101.

July 2017 Alerts.
Subject: News Bullentin Sandymoor Daresbury Preston Brook
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Zoe Bowden (Police, PC, Runcorn LPU East Beat Mgmt)
News Bulletin
Runcorn Local Policing Unit, Daresbury, Moore,
Preston Brook, Sandymoor, Manor Park, Area - July 2017
Message from your new Inspector
“Good day to you all and pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Fez Khan and I am the new Police Inspector covering the Local Policing Unit here in Runcorn. I have recently landed having spent the last 2 years working as a Critical Incident Manager (Response Inspector) and have spent the majority of my 12 years’ service with Cheshire Police working in frontline policing roles. I am extremely excited and privileged to take over from Insp Mike Skillen here at Runcorn and am a great believer and firm advocate in neighbourhood policing. I have been impressed with the proactive work ethic and community focused mindset of all my staff and colleagues here so far and look forward to contributing towards making Runcorn a safe and pleasant place to live and work. I intend to continue to encourage and support our multitude of worthwhile community engagement initiatives, as well as encourage all of you to get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have in your local area. I am very much a people person and will be looking to be out and about and visible in your areas as often as I can so please feel free to come and say hello, otherwise I will! You can follow me on Twitter should you wish to do so at @FezKhan or through @Police Runcorn. Be safe and always dial 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergency matters.”
Police Inspector Fez KAHN –Runcorn LPU

Phoenix Park Experience
This year Runcorn Local Policing Unit aim to set up a new event called Phoenix Park Experience (PPX) which will take place on Friday 4th August between 11am-3pm and will replace Party in the Park. We are hoping to follow the lead from the highly successful Victoria Park Experience (VPX) which has run for 10 years in Warrington’s Victoria Park. They began their first year engaging with 50 children and last year over a 4 day period almost 10,000 people attended, 5810 were children. It has become the biggest free event for young people in Warrington.
Anti-social behaviour is a problem in Runcorn as it is in many towns and an event like this aims to break down barriers between the Police and those young people engaging in this type of criminality. By engaging with these young people it will have a knock on effect in helping prevent other members of our communities also affected by ASB – such as the local council, bus companies, businesses and the housing providers as well as the local residents. This is event has been funded by local partners and is completely free for you to attend and everybody is welcome!

Runcorn Police own social media accounts
Please can you all follow both Runcorn Police’s own twitter account which is @PoliceRuncorn and also our own facebook account which is Runcorn Police, this will ensure you receive all news and information relevant to the Runcorn area and not just the Cheshire area as a whole.   I also now have my own twitter and facebook account for the news and items on your area @ChePolBowden and PC Zoe Bowden.
Zoe Bowden &      Emma Hamilton-Kent
PC 5470 BOWDEN           PCSO20618 HAMILTON-KENT

Crime Updates – July
Cheshire police have responded and attended 108 incidents in your area in July. These incidents varied in seriousness however include burglaries, road traffic offences, suspicious persons, concern’s for safety, domestic incidents and anti-social behaviour.

Burglary of a business
Overnight on 4th July 2017 M3 business on Aston Fields Road, Whitehouse Industrial Estate has been broken into, the offender has cut the padlocked gate and taken stolen a drum of cable valued approximately at £10,000. Anyone with any information please call 101 ref inc 151 of the same date.

Anti-Social Behaviour and Criminal Damage
Daresbury Innovation Centre, Keckwick Lane and Daresbury Hall have seen an increase in Anti-Social Behaviour and damage since they became vacant properties. Please be aware these locations are dangerous, derelict buildings, we are working with the owners to better secure the locations and have had some success with Daresbury Hall but we would be grateful if you could help us to make your community a better place and speak with children before they go out and warn them of the dangers. There will be increased patrols in the area and we will be working with partners to identify trouble makers. #streetsafe

Road Traffic Collision
On 2nd July at 02.30am a female driver lost control of her vehicle near Preston on the Hill, Preston Brook and ended up clipping the curb before coming to a stop in a hedge. Police attended and the female was arrested and summons to court for driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

Overnight 4th July A Renault Clio PJ10GZA was hit by another vehicle whilst it was parked on Malmesbury Park, Sandymoor. The offending vehicle didn’t stop and left damage to the driver side of the vehicle. If you saw anything please call 101 ref inc 259 04/072017

Unauthorised Encampment
Between 21st and 26th an unauthorised encampment of caravans moved around Manor Park, police, council and local businesses worked closely with the encampment meaning they relocated within a few days causing minimal disruption to everyone concerned.

Upcoming Events

Phoenix Park Xperience – 4th August 2017 – Phoenix Park

Anyone with any information to support the Cheshire Police in any crime or incident please call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Keep up to date with policing issues in your local area by following @PoliceRuncorn on Twitter.
Visit www.cheshire.police.uk | Follow @Cheshirepolice on twitter | Like Cheshire Police on Facebook.

Subject: Warning issued following hoax HMRC calls
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Dan Hind (Police, Media, Chesh Engagement Unit)
Officers are reminding resident to remain vigilant following a multiple reports of hoax calls from people claiming to be from HMRC.

Over the past 24 hours officers have received three separate reports from residents in the Northwich area who have received calls from a man purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

On each occasion the victim was told they were being investigated by HMRC for an outstanding tax balance and if they didn’t settle the balance then they would be arrested. The caller was then informed that if they paid the balance within two hours they will not be arrested, and then told that the balance could only be settled using iTunes vouchers.

The victims were then advised to visit a high street supermarket or electronics store to purchase the vouchers and then call back the hoax caller and provide them with the serial numbers from the vouchers to settle their debt.

Chief Inspector Simon Meegan said: “In each of these cases the victims have been told that they must purchase hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers or face the prospect of being arrested; which has caused anxiety and concern for all of the victims.

“Thankfully in all three cases the victims did not fall for the scam and no money changed hands. However, having been made aware of these incidents we are working closely with local supermarkets and electronics stores to help prevent vulnerable residents from purchasing large quantities of vouchers.

“I would also like to remind local residents that HMRC would never call you and ask you to settle a balance over the phone using vouchers. I advise anyone who believes that they may have been a victim to call us on 101.”

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Subject: News Bullentin Sandymoor Daresbury Preston Brook
Message sent by
Zoe Bowden (Police, PC, Runcorn LPU East Beat Mgmt)
News Bulletin
Runcorn Local Policing Unit, Daresbury, Moore,
Preston Brook, Sandymoor, Manor Park, Area - June 2017

Preventing burglaries and shed breaks
As we now enter the summer months please be vigilant about making sure your sheds and outdoor storage is secured and all valuables are kept locked away and out of sight. Historically around this time of year there will be an increase in shed breaks and gardening equipment going missing! In addition to this, when busy in the garden please ensure that you secure your front / back doors to ensure nobody sneaks into your address whilst you’re preoccupied cutting the lawn or tending to your flower beds!
Phoenix Park Experience
This year Runcorn Local Policing Unit aim to set up a new event called Phoenix Park Experience (PPX) which will take place on Friday 4th August between 11am-3pm and will replace Party in the Park. We are hoping to follow the lead from the highly successful Victoria Park Experience (VPX) which has run for 10 years in Warrington’s Victoria Park. They began their first year engaging with 50 children and last year over a 4 day period almost 10,000 people attended, 5810 were children. It has become the biggest free event for young people in Warrington.
Anti-social behaviour is a problem in Runcorn as it is in many towns and an event like this aims to break down barriers between the Police and those young people engaging in this type of criminality. By engaging with these young people it will have a knock on effect in helping prevent other members of our communities also affected by ASB – such as the local council, bus companies, businesses and the housing providers as well as the local residents. This is event has been funded by local partners and is completely free for you to attend and everybody is welcome!
Runcorn Police own social media accounts
Please can you all follow both Runcorn Police’s own twitter account which is @PoliceRuncorn and also our own facebook account which is Runcorn Police, this will ensure you receive all news and information relevant to the Runcorn area and not just the Cheshire area as a whole.

Zoe Bowden &      Emma Hamilton-Kent
PC 5470 BOWDEN           PCSO20618 HAMILTON-KENT

Crime Updates – June

Cheshire police have responded and attended 114 incidents in your area in June. These incidents varied in seriousness however include burglaries, road traffic offences, suspicious persons, concern’s for safety, domestic incidents and anti-social behaviour.

Residential Burglary
Overnight on 8th June 2017 two properties in the Preston Brook and Preston on the Hill area had their sheds broken in to. No offenders were seen and items such as a petrol strimmer, hedge trimmer and chainsaw were stolen. Please report any suspicious activity in your area.

Overnight 12th June 2017 a Blue Carrera Mountain Bike was stolen from an address on Biggleswade Drive on the same evening an insecure vehicle on Actons Wood Lane was accessed and cash and a bottle of aftershave taken. Anyone with any information please contact police ref incident 675 13th June 2017.

Lock and secure your outbuildings, don’t give thieves the chance
Store any valuable equipment and tools in a secure building with a well-built, locked door. Use British Standard locks, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks. Windows can be protected with metal bars. Always lock outbuildings when they're not in use.
A worthwhile investment is fitting outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams.
Consider installing CCTV

Anti-Social Behaviour
Multiple reports received throughout the month of groups of youths attending at Daresbury Hall and Daresbury Labs, both derelict buildings. On all occasion the groups have made off prior to police arrival. Security has been increased by the companies owning both properties but please discuss the dangers of accessing building sites with your children.

Reports have also been received of groups of children riding in the middle of the roads in the Sandymoor area and causing criminal damage to the park on Otterburn Street, these groups are intimidating and riders have been taking no notice of vehicles and posing a risk to themselves and others. Please report any incidents of anti-social behaviour in your area to help us identify the offenders and speak with them and their parents.
Parking Complaints
Reports from Acton’s Wood Lane, Sandymoor, surrounding parking on the roundabout near the school and driving the wrong way around the roundabout. Officer visited the area on the 26th June and spoke with all the local residents and business in a hope to stop these issues in the future.

Unauthorised Encampment
Between 5th and 6th an unauthorised encampment of 4 caravans moved from Daresbury Park to Manor Park, police and council worked closely with the encampment meaning they relocated within a few days causing minimal disruption to everyone concerned.

Upcoming Events

Cheshire Steam Fair 8th & 9th July 2017 – Daresbury, Cheshire
Party in the Playground 8th July 2017 – Daresbury Primary School
Sandymoor Summer Fair 15th July 2017 – Sandymoor Community Centre

Have Your Say - Community Meetings

Moore Community Meeting - Wednesday 5th July 2017 at 7.30pm, Milner Institute, Moss Lane
Preston Brook Community Meeting - Tuesday 18th July 2017 at 7.30pm, Village Hall, Preston Brook
Daresbury Community Meeting - Wednesday 19th July 2017 at 7.30pm, Village Hall, Chester Road Sandymoor Community Meeting - Thursday 20th July 2017 at 7.30pm, Sandymoor School

Anyone with any information to support the Cheshire Police in any crime or incident please call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Keep up to date with policing issues in your local area by following @PoliceRuncorn on Twitter.
Visit www.cheshire.police.uk | Follow @Cheshirepolice on twitter | Like Cheshire Police on Facebook.

Kind Regards

Beat Manager
PC5470 BOWDEN and PCSO 20618 HAMILTON-KENT
Cheshire Constabulary, Runcorn Police Station - 2nd Avenue, Halton Lea, Runcorn, WA7 2HG
Tel – 01606-36-5509 | E-Mail – zoe.bowden@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

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

Stay within auction guidelines.
Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.
Agree a suitable time to meet face-to-face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’. A ‘puppy farm’ is a commercial dog breeding enterprise where the sole aim is to maximise profit for the least investment. Commercial dog breeders must be registered with their local authority and undergo regular inspections to ensure that the puppies are bred responsibly and are in turn fit and healthy. Illegally farmed puppies will often be kept in inadequate conditions and are more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses associated with irresponsible breeding.
When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders.
If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

June 2017 Alerts.
Subject: National Neighbourhood Watch Week 2017
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network
We're Neighbourhood Watch - the largest grassroots crime prevention movement in England and Wales.

We're celebrating National Neighbourhood Watch Week (June 17-25) with a bumper edition of our bi-monthly e-newsletter Our News.

Click here to read it and find out how Neighbourhood Watch is helping to connect and protect communities.
Best wishes from the NHWN team

Neighbourhood Watch is proud to be supported by the Co-op Insurance and ERA Home Security.

Subject: Vehicle Online Shopping Fraud
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Fraudsters have been advertising vehicles and machinery for sale on various selling platforms online. The victims, after communicating via email with the fraudster, will receive a bogus email which purports to be from an established escrow provider (a third party who will keep the payment until the buying and selling parties are both happy with the deal).

These emails are designed to persuade victims to pay upfront, via bank transfer, before visiting the seller to collect the goods. The emails also claim that the buyer (victim) has a cooling off period to reclaim the payment if they change their mind. This gives victims the false sense of security that their money is being looked after by this trustworthy third party, when in fact it is not and the money has gone straight to the fraudster.

Protect yourself:

When making a large purchase such as a new car or machinery, always meet the seller face to face first and ask to see the goods before transferring any money.
If you receive a suspicious email asking for payment, check for spelling, grammar, or any other errors, and check who sent the email. If in doubt, check feedback online by searching the associated phone numbers or email addresses of the seller.
Contact the third party the fraudsters are purporting to be using to make the transaction. They should be able to confirm whether the email you have received is legitimate or not.
False adverts often offer vehicles or machinery for sale well below market value to entice potential victims; always be cautious. If it looks too good to be true then it probably is.

If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Subject: Wedding Services Fraud
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
With the upcoming “Wedding Season”, and for those individuals who are considering making plans for next year and beyond, you should be aware of the potential risks of fraud involved.

According to ‘bridesmagazine.co.uk’, in 2017 the average wedding cost spend is approximately £30,111. This will be paid out to multiple vendors, including; photographers, caterers, reception venues and travel companies, to name a few. Many of these services will require booking at least several months in advance and you may be obliged to pay a deposit or even the full balance at the time.

Being aware of the potential risks and following the below prevention advice could minimise the likelihood of fraud:
Paying by Credit Card will provide you with protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, for purchases above £100 and below £30,000. This means that even if a Company goes into liquidation before your big day, you could claim a refund through your Credit Card Company.

Social Media - Some Companies run their businesses entirely via social media sites, offering low cost services. Whilst many are genuine, some may not be insured or may even be fraudulent. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself;

Ensure you obtain a physical address and contact details for the vendor and verify this information. Should you experience any problems, you will then be able to make a complaint to Trading Standards or consider pursuing via the Small Claims Court.
Ensure you obtain a contract before paying money for services. Make certain you fully read and understand what you are signing and note the terms of cancellation.

Ensure you obtain a physical address and contact details for the vendor and verify this information. Should you experience any problems, you will then be able to make a complaint to Trading Standards or consider pursuing via the Small Claims Court.
Ensure you obtain a contract before paying money for services. Make certain you fully read and understand what you are signing and note the terms of cancellation.

Consider purchasing Wedding Insurance - Policies vary in cover and can be purchased up to two years in advance. They can protect you from events that would not be covered under the Consumer Credit Act.

Complete research on each vendor, ensuring you are dealing with a bona fide person or company. Explore the internet for reviews and ratings and ask the vendor to provide details of past clients you can speak to. You should do this even if using companies recommended by a trustworthy friend or source.

For services such as wedding photographers, beware of websites using fake images. Look for inconsistencies in style; Meet the photographer in person and ask to view sample albums. If you like an image from a wedding, ask to view the photographs taken of the whole event so you can see the overall quality.

Remember, if something appears too good to be true, it probably is!

Subject: Residents warned to be vigilant following hoax HMRC calls
Message sent by
Peter Caldwell (Police, Digital Media Manager, Chesh Engagement Unit)
Police are warning residents to be vigilant following a spate of hoax calls from people claiming to be from HMRC.

Over the past 24 hours officers have received three separate reports from residents in the Northwich area who have received calls from a man purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

In each case the call is from a London number (0203) and the caller is told they are being investigated by HMRC for an outstanding tax balance and that somebody is on their way to arrest them.

The caller is then informed that if they pay the balance within two hours they will not be arrested, and then told that the balance must be settled using iTunes vouchers.

The caller is then advised to visit a high street supermarket to purchase the vouchers and must then call back the hoax caller and provide them with the serial numbers from the vouchers to settle their debt.

Sergeant Michelle Green said: “In each of these cases the victims have been told that they must purchase thousands of pounds worth of vouchers or face the prospect of being arrested; which has caused anxiety and concern for all of the victims.

“While the majority of victims did not fall for the scam, we are aware of at least case where the victim has lost £1,000.

“Having been made aware of this scam we have now launched a full investigation and are working closely with local supermarkets and convenience stores to help prevent vulnerable residents from purchasing large quantities of vouchers.

“I would also like to remind local residents that HMRC would never call you and ask you to settle a balance over the phone using vouchers. I advise anyone who believes that they may have been a victim to call us on 101.”

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Subject: Microsoft Tech-Support Scammers using WannaCry attack to lure victims
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Action Fraud has received the first reports of Tech-Support scammers claiming to be from Microsoft who are taking advantage of the global WannaCry ransomware attack.
One victim fell for the scam after calling a ‘help’ number advertised on a pop up window. The window which wouldn’t close said the victim had been affected by WannaCry Ransomware.
The victim granted the fraudsters remote access to their PC after being convinced there wasn’t sufficient anti-virus protection. The fraudsters then installed Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, which is actually free and took £320 as payment.
It is important to remember that Microsoft’s error and warning messages on your PC will never include a phone number.
Additionally Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical support. Any communication they have with you must be initiated by you.
How to protect yourself

Don't call numbers from pop-up messages.
Never allow remote access to your computer.
Always be wary of unsolicited calls. If you’re unsure of a caller’s identity, hang up.
Never divulge passwords or pin numbers.
Microsoft or someone on their behalf will never call you.

If you believe you have already been a victim

Get your computer checked for any additional programmes or software that may have been installed.
Contact your bank to stop any further payments being taken.

Report fraud and cyber crime to Actionfraud.police.uk

Subject: Reassurance issued to racegoers with extra security measures put in place ahead of Chester races
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

Message sent by
Lisa Cooper (Police, Police Staff, Cheshire)
Cheshire Police issue reassurance to racegoers with extra security measures put in place ahead of Chester races on Saturday.

Chief Inspector Richard Rees, Cheshire Police Commander for Chester races, said: "With more than 25,000 racegoers expected to attend Chester this Saturday, I want to reassure everyone that they will see an increased police presence to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time.

"Although there is no direct threat to the races, in light of the tragic events in Manchester we want Saturday to be extra secure to reassure and protect those attending.

"This means there will be extra security measures put in place with regular bag and transport searches as well as ticket checks being carried out. In order for these searches to be carried out efficiently, I would urge racegoers to arrive at the racecourse as soon as possible to avoid any delays and to be patient as it may take longer than normal to get into the racecourse. These security checks are being put in place to help increase public safety and provide greater protection to the event.

“Following the decision by the Prime Minister to raise the national threat level to critical, Operation Temperer has been activated and as a result racegoers may see an armed police presence. This isn't cause for alarm but for further visible reassurance.

"I also want to remind the public to stay alert, be extra vigilant and if they see any suspicious behaviour to either report it to an officer, call the Anti-Terror hotline on 0800 789321 or in an emergency call 999.”

Subject: Ransomware Cyber Attack
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Following the ransomware cyber attack on Friday 12 May which affected the NHS and is believed to have affected other organisations globally, the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has issued an alert urging both individuals and businesses to follow protection advice immediately and in the coming days.

Ransomware is a form of malicious software (Malware) that enables cyber criminals to remotely lock down files on your computer or mobile device. Criminals will use ransomware to extort money from you (a ransom), before they restore access to your files. There are many ways that ransomware can infect your device, whether it be a link to a malicious website in an unsolicited email, or through a security vulnerability in a piece of software you use.

Key Protect messages for businesses to protect themselves from ransomware:

Install system and application updates on all devices as soon as they become available.
Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated.
Create regular backups of your important files to a device that isn’t left connected to your network as any malware infection could spread to that too.

The National Cyber Security Centre’s technical guidance includes specific software patches to use that will prevent uninfected computers on your network from becoming infected with the “WannaCry” Ransomware: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/ransomware-latest-ncsc-guidance

For additional in-depth technical guidance on how to protect your organisation from ransomware, details can be found here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/protecting-your-organisation-ransomware

Key Protect advice for individuals:

Install system and application updates on all devices as soon as they become available.
Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated.
Create regular backups of your important files to a device (such as an external hard drive or memory stick) that isn’t left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that too.
Only install apps from official app stores, such as Google’s Play Store, or Apple’s App Store as they offer better levels of protection than some 3rd party stores. Jailbreaking, rooting, or disabling any of the default security features of your device will make it more susceptible to malware infections.

Phishing/smishing
Fraudsters may exploit this high profile incident and use it as part of phishing/smishing campaigns. We urge people to be cautious if they receive any unsolicited communications from the NHS. The protect advice for that is the following:

An email address can be spoofed. Don’t open attachments or click on the links within any unsolicited emails you receive, and never respond to emails that ask for your personal or financial details.
The sender’s name and number in a text message can be spoofed, so even if the message appears to be from an organisation you know of, you should still exercise caution, particularly if the texts are asking you to click on a link or call a number.

Don’t disclose your personal or financial details during a cold call, and remember that the police and banks will never ring you and ask you to verify your PIN, withdraw your cash, or transfer your money to another “safe” account.

If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, please report it to Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Subject: Smishing Fraud Alert
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Smishing – the term used for SMS phishing – is an activity which enables criminals to steal victims’ money or identity, or both, as a result of a response to a text message. Smishing uses your mobile phone (either a smartphone or traditional non-internet connected handset) to manipulate innocent people into taking various actions which can lead to being defrauded.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has received information that fraudsters are targeting victims via text message, purporting to be from their credit card provider, stating a transaction has been approved on their credit card.

The text message further states to confirm if the transaction is genuine by replying ‘Y’ for Yes or ‘N’ for No.

Through this method the fraudster would receive confirmation of the victim’s active telephone number and would be able to engage further by asking for the victim’s credit card details, CVV number (the three digits on the back of your bank card) and/or other personal information.

Protect yourself:

Always check the validity of the text message by contacting your credit card provider through the number provided at the back of the card or on the credit card/bank statement.
Beware of cold calls purporting to be from banks and/or credit card providers.
If the phone call from the bank seems suspicious, hang up the phone and wait for 10 minutes before calling the bank back. Again, refer to the number at the back of the card or on the bank statement in order to contact your bank.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, please report it to Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or alternatively by calling 0300 123 20

Subject: Tourists Targeted by Fake Police Officers
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
There has been a series of recent incidents reported to Action Fraud where a lone fraudster has approached victims whom they believe to be unfamiliar with the local area. They make an excuse to talk to the victims such as enquiring about directions or offering a recommendation for a good hotel.

After this interaction, several other fraudsters will intervene purporting to be police officers in plain clothes and will sometimes present false identification as proof. The fake officers will then give a reason to examine the victims’ wallet, purse or personal items. They may also examine the first fraudster’s items or try to tell victims that the first fraudster is suspicious in order to gain victim trust and appear more realistic in their guise.

After all the fake police ‘checks’ are finished, victims have then reported being handed back their personal items only to later realise that a quantity of money or valuables were missing.

How to protect yourself:

If an individual claims to be a police officer ask for their name and rank, force, and examine any identification presented; this is always good practice but especially important if they are not wearing a uniform.
The Police will never ask for your passwords or PIN details. Do not give this information to anyone.
The Police will never request that you withdraw/transfer any money to them or to a ‘safe’ account.
If you have been affected by this, or any other fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

April 2017 Alerts.
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Zoe Bowden (Police, PC, Runcorn LPU East Beat Mgmt)
News Bulletin
Runcorn Local Policing Unit, Daresbury,
Preston Brook, Sandymoor, Manor Park, Area
April 2017

As we continue into spring and the warmer months please be vigilant about making sure your sheds and outdoor storage is secured, historically around this time of year there will be an increase in shed breaks and gardening equipment going missing! In addition to this, when busy in the garden please ensure that you secure your front / back doors to ensure nobody sneaks into your address whilst you’re preoccupied cutting the lawn or tending to your flower beds!
Don’t forget that last month Cheshire police ‘The Herbert Protocol. We’re really keen to promote this this scheme as it is aimed at the welfare and safety of loved ones suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. Further information can be found by clicking the following link
https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/missing-persons/herbert-protocol/

Crime Updates – March

Cheshire police have responded and attended 93 incidents in your area in April. These incidents varied in seriousness however include attempt burglaries, road traffic offences, suspicious persons, concern’s for safety, domestic incidents and anti-social behaviour.

Burglary Other

On 2nd April 2017 between midnight and 01.00am entry was gained to Freight First on Whitehouse Industrial Estate, a van has been loaded with approximately £15,000.00 woth of oil and driven off through the main gate, incident 824 refers.

Overnight 16th April 2017 business entered on Aston Fields Road, Whitehouse industrial Estate copper and lead stolen from the location, incident 228 - 18/04/17.

Anyone with information to assist the identification of the offenders please ring 101 or you can contact Crimestoppers via the below link to report anonymously: https://crimestoppers-uk.org
or via 0800 555 111

Burglary
4th April 2017 around 9.20 pm an address on Moss Lane, Moore has been entered and a wallet and keys to the occupant’s vehicle stolen, a Black Mercedes S Class has then been stolen from the address incident 1013 refers.

Lock and secure your doors even when in the address.
Keep valuables out of site.
A worthwhile investment is fitting outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams.
Consider installing CCTV.

Suspicious Activity
3rd April 2017 a vehicle with smashed windows pulled on to the Ice Cream Farm on Newton Lane, Daresbury when it was closed. When the two male occupants were challenged they drove off.
Sunniside Lane, Sandymoor reported two males sat in a vehicle outside an address at 4.40pm on 12th April 17, acting suspiciously, again when challenged the vehicle drove off, this time at speed.

Rogue Traders
Reports of cold callers in the Newmoor Lane area of Sandymoor around 19th April 17, caller believed they were the same callers who scamming residents last year. Do not feel pressured into allowing anyone access to your address and look out for people taking advantage of elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Good News
Vehicle seized on Manor Park Avenue, Runcorn on 24/04/17 for no Insurance.

Have Your Say - Community Meetings
Moore Community Meeting - Wednesday 3rd May 2017 at 7.00pm, Milner Institute, Moss Lane
Preston Brook Community Meeting - Tuesday 16th May 2017 at 7.30pm, Village Hall, Preston Brook
Daresbury Community Meeting - Wednesday 17th May 2017 at 7.30pm, Village Hall, Chester Road Sandymoor Community Meeting - Thursday 18th May 2017 at 7.30pm, Sandymoor School

Anyone with any information to support the Cheshire Police in any crime or incident please call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Keep up to date with policing issues in your local area by following @PoliceRuncorn on Twitter.
Visit www.cheshire.police.uk | Follow @Cheshirepolice on twitter | Like Cheshire Police on Facebook.
Kind Regards
Beat Manager
PC5470 BOWDEN and PCSO 20618 HAMILTON-KENT
Cheshire Constabulary, Runcorn Police Station - 2nd Avenue, Halton Lea, Runcorn, WA7 2HG
Tel – 01606-36-5509 | E-Mail – zoe.bowden@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

iCAN Warning: Fake email pretending to be from Vodafone
An iCAN member has received the email below which claims to be from Vodafone and is a notification that his bill is available for viewing online.

The message claims the bill is for a significant amount of money - £358. The scammer is hoping that the recipient will be alarmed by the size of the bill and so will automatically click on the link to see why it is so high. The link will contain malware or ransomware or will look like a genuine Vodafone page which asks you to enter your personal details.

If you receive an email like this, delete it without opening and don’t click on any links. If you receive an email bill notification from your mobile phone supplier or any other service provider, it is always safer to log into your online account by going directly to their website rather than clicking on links in an email.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

iCAN Warning: Fake invoice pretending to be from somebody that you know

An iCAN member has received a fake invoice pretending to be from somebody that she knows. The friend’s name appears four times in the email which contains a link to the supposed invoice.

This email is a scam –
If you get an email about an unexpected invoice, do not click on any links in it and delete it without opening.

The scammer is hoping that recipients will click on the link which will download malware to their computer and could be used to access their personal information.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

iCAN Warning: Scam email pretending to be from WhatsApp
Consumers in Ireland have reported receiving fake WhatsApp email titled ‘Missed Voicemail’. The email contains a link to play the voicemail message. Clicking on the link downloads malware to your device.
If you receive an email like this, don’t click on any links and delete it without opening.
If you want to check your WhatsApp voicemail messages, log into your WhatsApp account in the normal way.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

iCAN Warning: Scam email pretending to be from PayPal
An iCAN member has received the fake email below which claims he has made a PayPal payment to somebody that he doesn’t know.

The scammer wants recipients of the email to click on the transaction links which take you to a bogus site that has nothing to do with PayPal. The links will either download malware or ransomware to your computer or ask you to complete information about your PayPal account.

If you receive an email like this, delete it without clicking on any links. You can let PayPal know about any suspicious emails or websites by following their advice.

If you want to check a transaction in your account, log into your PayPal account from their website (Paypal website).

To protect your computer and your personal information:

Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Most anti-virus software contains an ‘anti-spyware’ scan which may be able to detect key loggers. If your current software does not offer this function, consider installing software which does - both free and paid for anti-spyware is widely available.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that device as well.

Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Most anti-virus software contains an ‘anti-spyware’ scan which may be able to detect key loggers. If your current software does not offer this function, consider installing software which does - both free and paid for anti-spyware is widely available.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that device as well.

Check your bank statement to see how much has been debited from your account
Speak to your bank to ask for a charge back and consider cancelling your card
Let Trading Standards know via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06

Avoid being caught out by other doorstep rogues by refusing to deal with people who cold-call you.

You can get a free No Cold Calling Card and Letterbox Sticker from any Halton Direct Link.

If you are visited by somebody trying to sell you fish on the doorstep please let Trading Standards know by ringing the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline and ask them to make a hot referral to us.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

iCAN information: new scheme to help people living with dementia and their families
Cheshire Police has launched the Herbert Protocol, which encourages carers, family members and friends of those with dementia to complete a form recording vital details about that person in case they ever go missing.
Those details include a photograph of the person, any medication they require, contact phone numbers and key information about places they like to visit, where they used to live and work and their normal routine.
This means that if they are ever reported missing to the police, information that can be used to help locate them quickly is instantly available to police officers.
Once you’ve completed the form you’ll need to keep it in a safe place so that you know where to find it quickly. There’s no need for the police or anyone else to have access to this information unless the person goes missing. You keep the information and hand it over when the police need it - it will be used to help the police to find the person as soon as possible, and nothing more.
If you have a friend or relative living with dementia, you can benefit from this initiative by completing the form (attached to this message).
If you don’t have access to a computer you can get a copy of the form from the helpdesk at either Runcorn or Widnes Police Stations or you can ask any police officer for one.
To find out more about the Herbert Protocol or to register a friend or family member visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/missing-persons/herbert-protocol/.

For advice or information about dementia please you can visit www.alzheimers.org.uk or call the Alzheimer’s Society North West office on 01925 572239.

Subject: Law Abiding Citizen Alert
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Fraudsters are sending out a high volume of phishing emails to personal and business email addresses, pretending to come from various email addresses, which have been compromised.

The subject line contains the recipient’s name, and the main body of text is as below:

“Hi, [name]!
I am disturbing you for a very serious reason. Although we are not familiar, but I have significant amount of individual info concerning you. The thing is that, most likely mistakenly, the data of your account has been emailed to me.

For instance, your address is:
[real home address]

I am a law-abiding citizen, so I decided to personal data may have been hacked. I attached the file – [surname].dot that I received, that you could explore what info has become obtainable for scammers. File password is – 2811

Best Wishes,”
The emails include an attachment – a ‘.dot’ file usually titled with the recipient’s name.

This attachment is thought to contain the Banking Trojan Ursniff/Gozi, hidden within an image in the document. The Ursniff Banking Trojan attempts to obtain sensitive data from victims, such as banking credentials and passwords. The data is subsequently used by criminals for monetary gain.

Protect Yourself:
Having up-to-date virus protection is essential; however it will not always prevent your device(s) from becoming infected.

Please consider the following actions:

Don’t click on links or open any attachments you receive in unsolicited emails or SMS messages: Remember that fraudsters can ‘spoof’ an email address to make it look like one used by someone you trust. If you are unsure, check the email header to identify the true source of communication (you can find out how by searching the internet for relevant advice for your email provider).
Do not enable macros in downloads; enabling macros will allow Trojan/malware to be installed onto your device.
Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It is important that the device you back up to is not connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that as well.
If you think your bank details have been compromised, you should contact your bank immediately.

If you have been affected by this or any other fraud, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.

March 2017 Alerts
Police Updates for March2017.
Crime Updates – March

Cheshire police have responded and attended 92 incidents in your area in March. These incidents varied in seriousness however include attempt burglaries, road traffic offences, suspicious persons, concern’s for safety, domestic incidents and anti-social behaviour.

Attempt Burglary

On 26th March 2017 at 09.40 hours, 2 men and 1 women were seen entering the outbuildings at the Ring O'Bells Public House, Daresbury. When challenged they stated they were looking for scrap metal. The suspects were in a light grey battered transit van.

Burglary Other

Overnight 9th March 2017 between 18.00 - 07.30 entry was forced into a detached garage on Bisham Park, Sandymoor and a Honda CRF450 off road motorbike stolen. Anybody with any information please call 101 and quote incident 100 of 09/03/17

Between 12/03/17 - 15/03/17 a garage in Aston Green, Preston Brook has been broken in to, 2 pushbikes have been stolen, incident 161 - 15/03/17.

Burglary

Between 9th - 12th March 2017 an address on Delph Lane, Daresbury had the upstairs window smashed and entry to the property gained, offenders have stolen an expensive iron before leaving the address, incident 805 of 12/03/17 refers.

Lock and secure your outbuildings, don’t give thieves the chance
Store any valuable equipment and tools in a secure building with a well-built, locked door. Use British Standard locks, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks. Windows can be protected with metal bars. Always lock outbuildings when they're not in use.
A worthwhile investment is fitting outside security lights controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams.
Consider installing CCTV

Road Traffic Collision

At 16.26 hours on 14th March 2017 there was a Road Traffic Collision on Wharford Lane, Runcorn between a Renault Clio and a man on a motorbike, only minor injuries were reported.

Good News

On Wednesday 15th March 2017 Cheshire Constabulary and The National Illegal Money Lending Team executed warrants targeting loan sharks in both the Sandymoor and Murdishaw districts of Runcorn as well as the Speke district of Liverpool.

As a result two men have been arrested in relation to illegal money lending.

If any members of the public have any information regarding illegal money lending or have fallen into debt as a result of loan sharks please contact the National Illegal Money Lending Team hotline on 0300 5552222 – inc 99 - 15/03/17

Vehicle seized on Northwich Road, Runcorn on 17/03/17 for no Insurance and a further vehicle was seized on Manor Park on 27/03/17

As of April 2017 Cheshire Constabulary will be using The Herbert Protocol.

Do you have a friend or relative with Alzheimer’s or dementia and often worry that they may go missing?

We appreciate that caring for people with dementia is challenging—and that planning ahead and keeping safe is really important. There is often a risk that people living with dementia can at some point start to ‘walk about’. While this may only be into the garden or street and returning a short time later, some people can get lost and go missing. This can lead to feelings of confusion, fear and vulnerability for individuals and their families, particularly at night time or during times of extreme weather.

The Herbert Protocol is here to help provide you with reassurance, and help you keep friends and relatives safe. It is a national initiative adopted by Cheshire Constabulary, as well as other police forces around the UK.

Full information and a copy of the Protocol guidance and forms can be found on https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/missing-persons/herbert-protocol/

This is vital—if you can’t find someone in the normal way you would expect to, then you MUST call the police on 999.

iCAN Warning: Computer servicing scam that asks for payment in iTunes vouchers
A Halton resident has narrowly avoided being caught out by a scammer who contacted him out of the blue offering a servicing agreement for his computer. The caller explained that the agreement would last for 5 years and the resident could choose the frequency of the payments. The caller asked for payment in iTunes vouchers.
The resident went to buy £100 worth of iTunes vouchers from his local Argos who queried why he was buying so many. When he explained the assistant advised him that it was a known scam. Later that day, the scammer called back asking for the iTunes voucher codes. The resident challenged him about it being a scam and he put the phone down.
The scammer only needs the code from the back of the iTunes vouchers to be able to sell them on – they don’t need the actual voucher. Scammers will take your codes and leave you with nothing.
iTunes vouchers have been used by scammers as a method of payment in other scams including where the recipient is told that they have unpaid taxes and a warrant is out for their arrest.
This scam is being operated using various contact methods such as automated voicemail messages, calling from a spoofed number such as 0300 200 3300 and text messages.
If anybody asks you for payment in iTunes vouchers always be suspicious.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: scam email claiming that your personal information is being circulated

A Halton resident has received the scam email below which is particularly concerning because the scammer knows his full postal address. The scammer claims to have received the recipient’s details by mistake and wants to alert him in case he has been hacked.
The message contains an attachment which the scammer claims is the personal information she has received by mistake.
This email is a scam and the attachment contains a virus.
If you receive a message like this, do not click on any attachments and delete it without opening.
To protect your computer and your personal information:

Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Most anti-virus software contains an ‘anti-spyware’ scan which may be able to detect key loggers. If your current software does not offer this function, consider installing software which does - both free and paid for anti-spyware is widely available.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that device as well.

Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Most anti-virus software contains an ‘anti-spyware’ scan which may be able to detect key loggers. If your current software does not offer this function, consider installing software which does - both free and paid for anti-spyware is widely available.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that device as well.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Romance scam email
A female Halton resident has received the romance scam email below.

The same message will have been sent randomly to thousands of people and whilst most will ignore it there will be a percentage of the population that will respond, just to find out more or to explain to the sender that they’ve emailed the wrong person.

People who enjoy taking risks, those who like to be spontaneous or people who believe in fate might be more tempted to reply, especially if they are recently bereaved, divorced or separated from a long term partner. Because the sender is not asking for money or personal information some people might think that they’ve got nothing to lose - this is what the scammer relies on.

If you respond you’ll receive declarations of love followed by requests for money to help pay for a range of things that the scammer will say are necessary to enable you to spend your lives together. The scammer will flatter you and make you feel special and even if you’re uncomfortable sending them money, you’ll be tempted to do it because the contact from them brightens up your day.

If you receive an email like this, the best thing you can do is to delete it.

Our specialist scams officers have worked with several Halton people who have lost thousands to romance scammers. If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Scam phone call Scam phone call from 0161 265 0016

A Halton resident received a phone call on Friday from a man claiming to work for a well-known claims management company. The call was made from 0161 265 0016.

The resident was told that his bank had made a mistake and that he was entitled to £3600 from them. The caller said that they had the money and they would bring him a cheque as long as he gave them £360 first.

The resident didn’t believe that the bank owed him this money so he told the caller he would check with the Police, at which point the caller put the phone down.

A quick internet search on this telephone number reveals that several people have reported the same scam over the last month.

If you receive a cold call from anybody claiming you are owed money or trying to sell you something don’t make a snap decision, agree to a visit or give the caller any of your details. Explain that on the advice of Trading Standards you need to make some checks first, ask them for their company name, address and phone number and tell them that you will call them back if you want to talk to them further.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

February 2017 Alerts
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Zoe Bowden (Police, PC, Runcorn LPU East Beat Mgmt)
News Bulletin
Runcorn Local Policing Unit, Daresbury,
Preston Brook, Sandymoor, Manor Park, Area
I hope 2017 has been off to a great start for you all.

This month I wanted to make you aware of the new rules surrounding mobile phone use while driving.

As of March 2017 any person caught using the mobile phone while driving will receive 6 points on their license and a £200 fine. Offend twice and expect a fine of up to £1000 and a 6 month driving ban.

This will include the use of mobile phones whilst stationary at traffic lights and if you are using one whilst supervising a learner driver.

Had your license for less than 2 years? Being caught just once will result in you being banned from driving.

I have written about the use of mobile phones whilst driving before but drivers can still be seen using them. A license to drive can be lethal in the wrong hands and the responsibility to drive safely should not be dependent on the risk of being caught.

Zoe Bowden &      Emma Hamilton-Kent
PC 5470 BOWDEN           PCSO20618 HAMILTON-KENT
Crime Updates – January

Cheshire police have responded and attended 91 incidents in your area in January. These incidents varied in seriousness however include missing persons, road traffic offences, Suspicious persons, domestic incidents and anti-social behaviour.

Mobile Phone Campaign

Carrying on from earlier, Between 1st and 7th March Cheshire Police will be running a mobile phone enforcement campaign to target those people using a mobile phone while driving.

There is no excuse for using your phone whilst driving without a lawful and adequate blutooth device. It might be 6 points on the license and a£200 fine or it might be a 10 year prison sentence and a lifetime of guilt. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37823457

Defrosting Your Car

On the day of writing this report I spent ten minutes defrosting my car to be able to drive to the police station to start work. I thought back to the number of frosty mornings over the years where I have driven through Runcorn stopping to advise persons ‘defrosting’ their cars by leaving them running and unattended while they make a brew.

I’ll write for you what I say to them:
By leaving your car running to defrost outside while you are inside you are committing a criminal offence (‘quitting’), you are more likely to have your vehicle stolen (we receive numerous reports every year of this very thing) and you may find it impossible to get your insurance company to pay out if the vehicle is stolen in this way. Drivers should always be in control of their vehicle when the engine is running, even when they’re loading or unloading shopping or baggage.

Criminal Damage

There has been criminal damage caused to CCS Electronics on Aragon Court at the location a security light was smashed and the fire doors were graphited overnight 10th – 11th January 2017. If anybody has seen anything suspicious that evening please call 101 and quote incident number 229 11st January 2017.

Theft

Throughout December there has been a number of theft incidents reported.

6th January 2017 at around 08.40am a male reversed in to the loading bay area of the Daresbury Park Hotel and stole a number of new towels that had recently been delivered before leaving the location with the towels when challenged by staff. Incident number 124, 6th January 2017

Over the Christmas period damage has been caused to a post box in the area of Daresbury Hall, as well as the damage it also appears that the post has been stolen, if you have seen anything suspicious in the area over this period please contact 101 and quote incident 582 of 9th January 2017.

Incident 208 of 28th January 2017 relates to a high value theft from ZIP 56 on the Whitehouse Industrial Estate, on 28th January 2017 thieves have used a fork lift truck to enter the property and steal bails of coiled steel wire to the approximate value of £200,000.00. it is believed than due to the volumes of goods stolen a HGV was used.

Good News

Bike Marking event held in Moore, 15 bikes marked and another 20 property marking kits given out to members of the community that came to see us.

Upcoming Events

Bike Marking event on Saturday 4th February 2017 at Sandymoor School 11am – 3pm

Have Your Say - Community Meetings

Daresbury Community Meeting - Wednesday 15th February 2017 at 7.30pm, Village Hall, Chester Road Sandymoor Community Meeting - Thursday 16th February 2017 at 7.30pm, Sandymoor School
Preston Brook Community Meeting - Tuesday 21st February 2017 at 7.30pm, Village Hall, Preston Brook
Moore Community Meeting - Wednesday 1st March 2017 at 7.00pm, Milner Institute, Moss Lane

Anyone with any information to support the Cheshire Police in any crime or incident please call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Keep up to date with policing issues in your local area by following @PoliceRuncorn on Twitter.
Visit www.cheshire.police.uk | Follow @Cheshirepolice on twitter | Like Cheshire Police on Facebook

Kind Regards

Beat Manager
PC5470 BOWDEN and PCSO 20618 HAMILTON-KENT
Cheshire Constabulary, Runcorn Police Station - 2nd Avenue, Halton Lea, Runcorn, WA7 2HG
Tel – 01606-36-5509 | E-Mail – zoe.bowden@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

January 2017 Alerts
Subject: Reminder: Payment Diversion Alert
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Payment diversion alert
Fraudsters are emailing members of the public who are expecting to make a payment for property repairs. The fraudsters will purport to be a tradesman who has recently completed work at the property and use a similar email address to that of the genuine tradesman. They will ask for funds to be transferred via bank transfer. Once payment is made the victims of the scam soon realise they have been deceived when the genuine tradesman requests payment for their services.

Protect yourself

Always check the email address is exactly the same as previous correspondence with the genuine contact.
For any request of payment via email verify the validity of the request with a phone call to the person who carried out the work.
Check the email for spelling and grammar as these signs can indicate that the email is not genuine.
Payments via bank transfer offer no financial protection; consider using alternative methods such as a credit card or PayPal which offer protection and an avenue for recompense.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

Subject: Cheshire Police say Lock it or Lose it after burglary spate across the county
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Dan Hind (Police, Media, Chesh Engagement Unit)
Cheshire Police are urging residents to lock it or lose it following a number of burglaries across the county.

The simple step of locking your door whether you’re in, or out, is vital in keeping opportunist thieves from your door.

Between 13 and 15 January 2017 police received a number of reports of burglaries in the north and east of the county. Out of the seven burglaries five of the properties were unlocked at the time.

Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: "It’s important to take some time to assess your current security measures at home and see if they could be improved. However, the first rule of crime prevention, and you might think is obvious, is to keep the door locked and secure, whether it is your home, shed or outbuilding. That applies whether you’re in or out.

“We all have busy lives and some things get overlooked and locking the door seems to be one of them, giving opportunist thieves access to your hard earned goods. So take the time to check, have you locked your door?

“You might think it’s okay to leave the door unlocked because you’re in the house, but that doesn’t stop brazen thieves who often sneak in unnoticed, undeterred that you’re home.

“As well as locking your doors and windows, we also advise you don’t leave valuables, or keys, near windows where they can be seen from the outside. It’s an added incentive for a burglar if he knows there’s something good on offer before he goes in.

"And if you see anyone acting suspiciously, call police on 101 and report it. You may be doing your neighbours − or yourself- a big favour.”

You can make your house look lived in and keep your home safe and secure, by taking a few simple steps:
• Consider using a timer to set your lights and radio to come on while you’re out
• Make sure all your doors and windows are secure
• Don’t leave valuables including purses, handbags and car keys on display or near external doors
• Don’t leave keys near the door or in view
• Consider security marking valuable items with your house number and postcode with a UV pen, or mark it using property marking kits which consist of a traceable liquid to forensically mark valuables

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND UPDATES
M56 new Junction 11a

Here is the latest information on the M56 new Junction 11aWe've updated this scheme with the latest information on our public consultation. Please check the project page to find out more.

Roadwork information is not updated in real time. Check Traffic England for the latest information and current traffic conditions.
View this email as a web page
This service is provided free of charge by Highways England. Visit us on the web at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england
Please do not reply to this email.

Technical queries or problems? Contact digital_communications@highwaysengland.co.uk
All other enquiries should go to info@highwaysengland.co.uk

Subject: Warning issued to vulnerable residents
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Dan Hind (Police, Media, Chesh Engagement Unit)
Officers are warning residents to be vigilant following an incident involving a bogus caller in Chester.

During the incident, which occurred on Wednesday 11 January in the Hoole area of Chester, an elderly man was targeted by cold callers who claimed to be builders and told the man that his roof needed to be repaired.

The builders then told the resident that he could do the repairs, but in order to do so he would need to be paid in advance. The resident handed over an initial deposit for the work, but was then asked to provide an additional £6,000, which had to be paid in cash.

The victim then went to his local bank to withdraw the money, but thankfully the alarm was raised by a member of staff and the money was not passed over to the cold caller.

Inspector Karen Jaundrill said: “Following this incident I would like to appeal to the local community to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours to help reduce the likelihood of someone else becoming a victim.

“I would also like to remind all residents about the importance of people not letting anyone into their home who calls unexpectedly and if you have a chain, always use it. Make sure you ask for identification and if they provide it, close the door and check the number, but most importantly, if you have any doubts about them being genuine, don′t let them in and ask them to come back later when you are not alone. Any suspicious activity should be reported to police.”

There are a number of simple steps that residents can take to protect themselves their families, friends and neighbours, these include:

• Check the identity of callers by calling the company they claim to be from. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory, online or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller − they may be bogus.
• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them.
• The "Waterboard" has not existed for 28 years; turn away anyone purporting to be from it.
• Keep cash in the bank where it is secure.
• Consider storing valuable jewellery in bank deposit box - contact your bank for details.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them − distraction burglars often work in teams, while you′re distracted another person may sneak in through an open door.
• If somebody asks for your help, needs to make a telephone call, needs a drink or wants directions, don′t feel pressurised into letting them in. Help through a closed door; refer them to a younger neighbour or call to ask someone to assist.
• Not sure? Don′t open the door.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information and advice visit the Cheshire Police website: http://www.cheshire.police.uk.

Subject: Fake Amazon emails claim you have placed an order
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Action Fraud has received several reports from victims who have been sent convincing looking emails claiming to be from Amazon. The spoofed emails from “service@amazon.co.uk” claim recipients have made an order online and mimic an automatic customer email notification.
The scam email claims recipients have ordered an expensive vintage chandelier. Other reported examples include: Bose stereos, iPhone’s and luxury watches.

The emails cleverly state that if recipients haven’t authorised the transaction they can click on the help centre link to receive a full refund. The link leads to an authentic-looking website, which asks victims to confirm their name, address, and bank card information.

Amazon says that suspicious e-mails will often contain:

Links to websites that look like Amazon.co.uk, but aren't Amazon.co.uk.
Attachments or prompts to install software on your computer.
Typos or grammatical errors.
Forged (or spoofed) e-mail addresses to make it look like the e-mail is coming from Amazon.co.uk.

Amazon will never ask for personal information to be supplied by e-mail.
You can read more about identifying suspicious emails claiming to be from Amazon by visiting https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201489210

To report a fraud or cyber crime, call us on 0300 123 2040.

Subject: Join the Conversation
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Liz Biddle (Police, Community Engagement Officer, Chesh Engagement Unit)
Join the conversation on funding for your police service

David Keane, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, is urging residents and businesses across the county to join the conversation on funding for their police service.

Between 3 and 24 January 2017, residents and businesses will be able to give their views on whether funding for Cheshire Constabulary should be maintained at current levels or reduced.

A number of public consultation roadshows have been arranged across the county to enable the Commissioner and his team to gather views from as many people as possible. However, in addition to the consultation, there is also a short online survey.

This is your chance to let the Police & Crime Commissioner know your thoughts on whether he should be protecting funding for local policing. The survey will only take a couple of minutes, so please get involved and join the conversation by taking part and giving us you views using the link attached >>> Join the conversation survey

Further details can be found at www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk

iCAN Warning: Scam email pretending to be a payment confirmation
An iCAN member has received the scam email below claiming to be a payment confirmation for their child’s school fees. The recipient knew that it was a scam because she doesn’t have any children at private school.
On this occasion the scammers have decided to say that the payment confirmation relates to school fees but scammers will use the same techniques claiming that the payment confirmation is about payments to other organisations. If you receive any email with a payment confirmation attached, read it very carefully and if you’re not sure it’s about a payment you’ve made, check your bank statement before opening the email.
Scammers will send thousands of emails at a time and they only need a relatively small number of people to respond to make it worth their while. The chances are that some people who receive this email will have a child at private school and may click on the link without reading the email properly. It’s likely that the link contains ransomware or spyware that will be downloaded to your computer to either freeze your computer (you’ll be asked to pay a ransom to have the malware removed) or steal your personal information.

To protect your computer and your personal information:

Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Most anti-virus software contains an ‘anti-spyware’ scan which may be able to detect key loggers. If your current software does not offer this function, consider installing software which does - both free and paid for anti-spyware is widely available.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that device as well.

Links to websites that look like Amazon.co.uk, but aren't Amazon.co.uk.
Attachments or prompts to install software on your computer.
Typos or grammatical errors.
Forged (or spoofed) e-mail addresses to make it look like the e-mail is coming from Amazon.co.uk.

Amazon will never ask for personal information to be supplied by e-mail.
You can read more about identifying suspicious emails claiming to be from Amazon by visiting https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201489210

To report a fraud or cyber crime, call us on 0300 123 2040.

iCAN Warning: Scam email pretending to be about your car tax
An iCAN member has received a scam email about her car tax renewal even though she doesn’t drive and has never owned a car!
If you receive the email below, delete it without opening and do not click on any links. The scammer hopes that you will click on the link without reading the email properly – it’s likely that the link contains ransomware or spyware that will be downloaded to your computer to either freeze your computer (you’ll be asked to pay a ransom to have the malware removed) or steal your personal information.

See the information in the red boxes which explains how we know that the email is a scam.

If you want to tax your car online use the official government website.

December Alerts

iCAN Warning: Halton Trading Standards warn of likely scams after the announcement of the Yahoo data breach

Yesterday Yahoo announced that more than one billion user accounts may have been affected in a hacking attack dating back to 2013 in which names, phone numbers, passwords and email addresses were stolen. Halton Trading Standards are warning that scammers are likely to turn this into an opportunity by sending fake Yahoo emails, or making phone calls pretending to be from Yahoo, in an attempt to get your personal information. Scammers will also pretend to be from your bank, saying that they take security seriously and asking you to click on links in an email or provide information over the phone so that you can change your password with them.

After Talk Talk announced their data breach in October last year the scammers swung into action. One Halton resident was caught out by a scam phone call from somebody pretending to be from Talk Talk, she gave personal information which allowed them to steal £1200 from her bank account. Unfortunately the bank would not refund her money because she had provided the scammers with her information even though she was tricked into giving that information. Halton residents were also targeted with scam emails pretending to be from banks who wanted to improve the account security for the customers following the Talk Talk breach.

Yahoo have said that they will be emailing customer but that the emails do not ask you to click on any links or contain attachments and do not request your personal information. If an email you received about these issues prompts you to click on any links, download an attachment, or asks you for information, the email was not sent by Yahoo and may be an attempt to steal your personal information. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from such suspicious emails.

Yahoo have advised that customers will receive a prompt in the desktop version of Yahoo Mail explaining that "Your account may have been affected by a security issue." This is a legitimate message from Yahoo and the link will bring you to the security issue FAQs page, where consumers can access a security notice for their region – a copy of the UK security notice is provided here via this link goo.gl/DEx7gw.

It’s important that consumers with Yahoo accounts review those accounts and make amendments to any passwords or security questions as soon as possible. This applies to consumers who may have dormant accounts to. Many people use the same or similar passwords to access devices and online accounts and the criminals can use the information stolen from Yahoo to access those accounts. This could eventually lead to those other accounts being compromised and other private information being obtained, which in turn could lead to identity fraud and a whole heap of other troubles for the consumer.

If you think your bank details have been compromised, you should immediately contact your bank.

To protect your computer and personal information:

Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Most anti-virus software contains an ‘anti-spyware’ scan which may be able to detect key loggers. If your current software does not offer this function, consider installing software which does - both free and paid for anti-spyware is widely available.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that device as well.

Don’t click on links or open any attachments you receive in unsolicited emails or SMS messages. Remember that fraudsters can ‘spoof’ an email address to make it look like one used by someone you trust. . If you are unsure, hover the mouse over the ‘From’ email address to see where the email has really been sent from.
Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Most anti-virus software contains an ‘anti-spyware’ scan which may be able to detect key loggers. If your current software does not offer this function, consider installing software which does - both free and paid for anti-spyware is widely available.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that device as well.

If you think your bank details have been compromised, you should immediately contact your bank.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Subject: Fake Bank Letters

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)(
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Lloyds customers should be on the lookout for a new sophisticated fraud that involves fraudsters sending fake bank letters.

The convincing letters being sent are a replica template from Lloyds and include their logo, address and signature from a customer service representative.
The letter tells recipients that there have been some “unusual transactions” on their personal account and asks them to call a number highlighted in bold to confirm they are genuine.
When victims call the number, an automated welcome message is played and the caller is asked to enter their card number, account number and sort code followed by their date of birth.Victims are then instructed to enter the first and last digit of their security number.
The fraud was spotted by the Daily Telegraph who was alerted to it by a reader who had three identical letters sent to an office address. On separate occasions the Daily Telegraph ran some tests using fake details and were passed to fraudsters who claimed to be from a Lloyds contact centre. The bank has confirmed that the phone number and letters are fake.
The letters are essentially a sophisticated phishing attempt and serves as a warning to consumers to question written correspondence from their banks.

If you are ever suspicious about correspondence from your bank you should call the customer serviced number on the back of their card.
To report a fraud and cyber crime, call us on 0300 123 2040 or visit http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

iCAN Warning: ‘Do Not Reply’ phishing scam
The City of London Police have issued a warning about fraudsters sending out a high number of phishing emails to personal and business email addresses pretending to come from ‘donotreply’ followed by the victims’ own email extension (for example donotreply@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk).
The subject line currently is shown as a series of random numbers and letters; ‘RNP0024D5D73B3A’ and ‘KMBT_C220’ have both been seen. The emails include an attachment – a .zip file, usually with the current date followed by random digits in the file name.
These attachments typically contain a password stealing component, with the aim of stealing your bank, PayPal or other financial details along with your email or FTP (web space) log in credentials. Many of them are also designed to specifically steal your Facebook and other social network log in details.
A very high proportion also contain Locky ransomware, that once downloaded will encrypt files and demand money (typically about £350) to recover the files.
Having up-to-date virus protection is essential; however it will not always prevent you from becoming infected.
Please consider the following actions:

Don’t click on links or open any attachments you receive in unsolicited emails or SMS messages. Remember that fraudsters can ‘spoof’ an email address to make it look like one used by someone you trust. If you are unsure, hover the mouse over the ‘From’ email address to see where the email has really been sent from.
Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that too.
Don't pay extortion demands as this only feeds into criminals' hands, and there is no guarantee that access to your files will be restored if you do pay.
If you think your bank details have been compromised, you should immediately contact your bank.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

iCAN Warning: Scam doorstep caller pretending to be from Scottish Power

An iCAN member received a visit last week from a man pretending to work for Scottish Power and claiming he was visiting to swap the electric card meter to a smart meter. The man was smartly dressed and had an electricity meter cupboard key and a clipboard with lots of paper, but he didn’t have any ID.

The Widnes resident refused the man access and rang Scottish Power who said the caller had nothing to do with them and that smart meters were not due in this area for years.

Scottish Power would not make a visit like this without writing to a customer first. Like other energy providers, Scottish Power operate a free Password Service, for any customer who’d like extra assurance about visitors to their home. This service allows you to choose a personal password that will only be given to representatives who need to visit you. You can change your password at any time. When their representative visits you, ask them for the password before you let them in.

If you are a Scottish Power customer and would like more information about the Password Service you can contact them free on 0800 027 0072.

Customers of other energy suppliers should contact them directly to see if they offer the free password service.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Cold calling scam company claiming to be approved by the Police

Cheshire Police have begun to receive reports from residents in the county who have received cold calls from a security company claiming to be approved by the Police and other emergency services. The caller is trying to sell burglar and fire alarms and to arrange an appointment for a sales rep to visit.

If you receive a cold call from anybody trying to sell you something don’t make a snap decision, agree to a visit or give the caller any of your details. Explain that on the advice of Trading Standards you need to make some checks first, ask them for their company name, address and phone number and tell them that you will call them back if you want to talk to them about what they are selling.

Bogus security companies will often falsely claim to be approved by the Police or other emergency services so if you’re thinking of dealing with a company who makes such claims, check if they’re true by contacting the Police on their non-emergency number 101 or Cheshire Fire Service on 01606 868700.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning for food allergy sufferers
The following foods are being recalled because of the presence of allergens which are not declared on the label. If you have an allergy to any of the undeclared ingredients you are advised to return the product to the store for a full refund.

ASDA Garlic & Herb Thin Cut Beef Sizzle Steaks

Pack size: 227g           Use by date: 5 December 2016
This product contains milk, making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.
For more information contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101.

ASDA Main for 2 Vegetable Balti

Pack size 400g                   Use By date 7th December
This product contains milk, making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.

Dr. Oetker Regal Ice Ready Rolled Icing White

Pack size 450g                   Best Before date 8th August 2017
A small number of packs were mistakenly filled with ready rolled marzipan. These packs will therefore contain undeclared nuts (almonds), which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to nuts (almonds).

A Runcorn resident who uses the Lifeline personal alarm system received a call yesterday from somebody pretending to be from Lifeline. The caller said that the man’s monthly payment was due and he would be calling round to collect it from him. Fortunately the gentleman decided to check with Lifeline who told him that the call had nothing to do with them and that they don’t collect payment in this way.

If you receive a call like this it is a scam. Put the phone down and don’t open the door to anybody that you don’t recognise.

If you receive any calls offering to fix a problem that you didn’t know you had, or somebody claiming they are from your bank or an official organisation, don’t give the caller any details. Explain that on the advice of Trading Standards you need to check first that the call is genuine and then put the phone down. Wait for 5 minutes and then contact the company they claim to be from on the usual number you have for them, DO NOT USE any numbers that the caller has given you.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

November Alerts

iCAN Warning: Scam Call pretending to be from BT

A Halton resident was called at 8 o’clock this morning from someone claiming to be from BT. The caller asked the resident to sit at her laptop whilst they checked her computer because there are hackers in this area who were trying to access her computer. The resident explained that she was leaving for work and didn't have the time but the caller was very insistent saying that the resident had to do it and asking if she could ring back in half an hour. The resident said this wasn’t possible and the caller put the phone down.

This phone call is a scam. It is likely that the caller wanted access to the resident’s computer to either steel her personal information or to install ransomware and then demand payment to remove it.

If you are a BT customer and you are concerned that you may have problems with your service you can check your account online at www.bt.com/mybt >

If you receive any calls offering to fix a problem that you didn’t know you had, don’t give the caller any details. Explain that on the advice of Trading Standards you need to check first that the call is genuine and then put the phone down. Wait for 5 minutes and then contact the company they claim to be from on the usual number you have for them, DO NOT USE any numbers that the caller has given you.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Phishing Scam targeting university students
Action Fraud are warning about a phishing scam that is targeting UK university students.

The scammers claim the student has been awarded an educational grant as part of a student support programme. The email purports to have come from the Finance Department of the student’s university. It tricks the recipient into clicking on a hyperlink contained in the message to provide personal details on a webpage.

Victims report that after submitting their sensitive information (including name, address, date of birth, bank account details, National Insurance Number and mother’s maiden name), they were taken to a spoofed website which appeared to be a genuine representative of their online bank, where they were directed to type in their online banking credentials.

This email should be deleted without opening and without clicking on any links.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Subject: Are you prepared for winter driving?
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Dan Hind (Police, Media, Chesh Engagement Unit)
As the cold nights start to draw in officers in Cheshire are reminding drivers to take extra care when driving in hazardous weather conditions.

Superintendent Martin Cleworth said: "It’s important that all drivers are aware that driving conditions may be more hazardous during the winter period. For example, road surfaces are more likely to be wet in the winter months, which can make them slippery and cause flying spray which is another hazard.

“There may also be patches of mist, fog and ice, all of which make driving more dangerous. To reduce these risks all drivers need to ensure there are aware of the current conditions and reduce their speed to allow for them."

“It’s also important that motorists ensure their vehicles are ready for the extra demands that will be placed on it over the winter period. I advise that all motorists take the following steps:

• Examine your tyres, they should be in good condition, have plenty of tread and be set at the correct pressures
• Check your oil levels
• Keep screen wash as full as possible and use correct additives
• Ensure your car windows and mirrors clean – keep a cloth handy
• Keep your vehicle fuel to a reasonable level with some spare capacity– remembering that journeys can take longer than usual
• Ensure that all screens and lights are clear of frost/snow prior to driving. (Be extra careful when defrosting the vehicle. Do not use boiling water)
• In severe conditions, question the need for the journey and avoid travelling wherever possible
• Carry a charged mobile phone, warm clothing, a torch, food and drink if you must make a journey in severe conditions. Let somebody know the details/times of your journey
• Listen to weather warnings on the radio prior to and during the journey

As well as taking extra care on the roads the force are also reminding motorists to ensure their vehicles are secure at all times.

Superintendent Cleworth added: "Opportunist thieves will see a cold spell of weather as a perfect opportunity to snatch a vehicle - especially if the driver has left the engine running and the car unattended whilst it’s defrosting.

"We are urging drivers across the county to remain security conscious and to take steps to reduce the chances of being targeted by thieves."

Further information about road safety and crime reduction can be found on the Cheshire Police website at www.cheshire.police.uk.

October Alerts

Theft Theft from Vehicle Between the hours of 12.15 - 12.50 on 7th October 2016 garden power tools have been stolen from the back of a silver Renault Traffic Van on Glastonbury Close, Sandymoor. The reporting person is a gardener in the area and the doors to the vehicle were left open whilst they were working. Taken was a Stihl blower in orange and Stihl hedgecutters in orange. If you have any information regarding this theft please call 101 reference incident 443 of 07/10/16. Rogue Traders Reports of people contacting elderly residents posing as medical centre staff and bank employees doing surveys in the Beechmore and Hollybank area of Moore. We have also received reports from the Sandymoor, Runcorn Road and Moss Lane in Moore, highlighting males in the location knocking at addresses claiming to be ex-offenders selling items. Don’t feel pressured into allowing anyone access to your address and look out for people taking advantage of your elderly neighbours. Traffic Chester Road, Preston Brook - reports of children throwing items off bridges on 01/10/16. Male in his late teens seen riding his pushbike with no lights, along Northwich Road, Dutton during darkness and HGV’s parking close to the junction on Whitehouse Industrial Estate whilst delivering goods in the area. Please report any incidents where there are items being thrown in to the carriageway, ensure you are riding your pushbike legally and can be seen, and think of other people when parking.

Police advise residents in Runcorn to be vigilant following a spate of hoax HMRC calls

Police in Runcorn are warning residents to be vigilant following a spate of hoax calls from people claiming to be from HMRC.

Over the course of 25 October 2016 police received 10 reports of people being called by someone purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The first part of the call is automated and the victim is asked to press one to speak to an advisor. The victim is then informed they are being investigated by HMRC and that someone is on their way to arrest them.

One of the victims was told to purchase £500 worth of iTunes vouchers and that someone would be around to collect the vouchers which would settle an outstanding debt.

None of the victims fell for the scam, but being told they were about to be arrested must have given them a shock. This is one of a variety of methods fraudsters are using while claiming to be from HMRC. Fraudsters are contacting victims via voicemails, spoofed calls and text messaging.

If you are contacted via these methods, please be aware that HMRC would never use texts to tell you about a tax rebate or penalty, or ever ask for payment via iTunes.

Telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. You should never trust the number you see on your telephone display. If you receive a suspicious call end it immediately.

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

For more information go to: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/alert-hmrc-and-itunes-gift-card-scam-may16

iCAN Warning: Bogus seller claiming to represent Shopmobility
An elderly Halton resident in the Sutton Park area of Runcorn was cold called last Thursday evening, by a male claiming to be from Shopmobility. The male was aggressive in his sales approach and the experience left the resident feeling intimidated. The male had a Millercare mobility aids brochure which he was using as a sales aid.
Shopmobility and Millercare Limited have confirmed the male is not associated with either organisation and that they do not cold call consumers in this manner.
Avoid being caught out by doorstep rogues by refusing to deal with people who cold-call you - remember you don’t have to deal with uninvited callers:

DON’T agree to buy on your doorstep, always get two or three other quotes before buying.
DON’T let a stranger into your home.
DON’T feel that you are being rude by keeping the door closed or by sending them away.
DON’T be scared to say ‘No Thank You’ and close the door.
DO keep the door chain on.
DO ask for ID if the trader tells you they are representing an organisation. Call the organisation if you’re not sure.
DO make a note of anything they say, business names, descriptions, and/or their vehicle registration number.
DO report any sellers to the Police if you have any concerns by calling 101.

Did you know you can get a free ‘No Cold Calling Card’ and ‘Letterbox Sticker’ from any Halton Direct Link – traders who call when these are displayed are committing an offence.
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

iCAN Warning: Scam telephone calls about problems with your computer
A Halton resident has received a scam telephone call from somebody saying that they needed to speak urgently to her about her computer.
The resident had heard about the ‘Microsoft’ scam that has been around for years and so she wasn’t caught out by it.
Never assume a caller is genuine just because they seem to have some information about you.

iCAN Warning: Recall of Kopparberg Sparkling Rose Strawberry & Kopparberg Sparkling Rose Raspberry

The manufacturer is recalling all Kopparberg Sparkling Rose Strawberry & Kopparberg Sparkling Rose Raspberry (750 ml) with best before dates up to 6th April 2018.
Price: £5.00 Barcodes: 7393714527103 and 7393714527202

The manufacturer has found that in a very small number of cases, the bottles may break when in normal use.

If you have bought either of these Kopparberg products, please handle with care and dispose of the bottles in your household waste.

The drink itself is not affected, although it is recommended that you don’t open it.

If you would like any further information and to request a refund for your bottles, please call Asda customer relations on 0800 952 0101.

Consumers can also contact Kopparberg UK Consumer Relations at info@kopparberg.co.uk
If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: scam text messages claiming that you've won a Euro Mega Draw

Several Halton residents have reported receiving this text message:

Congratulations! Your mobile No. was selected as a winner of £2000,000.00 on Euro Mega Draw with draw number EU-090687. Email us for claim.

This message is a scam, do not email or reply to it.

Claiming that you have won a prize is a common technique used by scammers to hook you in whether they contact you by email, letter, phone or text.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

iCAN Warning: Recall of Table Lamp with three tiered lights sold by TK Maxx and HomeSense
This lamp is being recalled by the retailer over concerns that it provides insufficient insulation protection causing a risk of electrocution.

The lights were on sale at TK Maxx & HomeSense stores from April 2016.
If you have bought this lamp, you are being advised to stop using it immediately, and return it to any TK Maxx or HomeSense store for a full refund.
For further enquiries please call Customer Service on 01923 473561 or email customerservice@tjxeurope.com

iCAN Warning: Scam British Gas emails containing Ransomware
The City of London Police has issued a warning that fraudster are sending fake British Gas utility bill emails that link to a virus that takes over victim’s computers.
Action Fraud has received hundreds of reports of these emails designed to look like a harmless utility bill. The emails contain links that take people to a website where they are told to download a file in order to view their bill. After downloading the files, the virus locks you out of your computer and then directs you to an online payment page.
British Gas say that their emails will always be personalised and will often quote your British Gas account number (where the email relates specifically to your account) and will only provide links back to the britishgas.co.uk website.
Having up-to-date virus protection will help to protect you from viruses.

Make sure your internet browser and any plug-ins (e.g. Flash, Java, Silverlight) are up-to-date
Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails unless you are sure you can trust the sender. Remember that fraudsters can ‘spoof’ an email address to make it look like one used by someone you trust. If you are unsure, hover your mouse over the sender’s address to reveal the sender’s actual email address rather than the email address displayed.
Please visit the British Gas website directly and log in from there to check utility bills.
Avoid logging into your email account from a public computer (e.g. at a hotel or internet cafe) as it could be infected with spyware. Don’t connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi, use mobile data services such as 4G to access your accounts instead.
Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to is not left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that too.
Don't pay extortion demands as this only feeds into criminals' hands, and there's no guarantee that access to your files will be restored if you do pay.

Whenever possible, pay for your holiday by credit card as it offers increased protection.
Always remember to look for the ‘https’ and locked padlock icon in the address bar before entering your payment details.
Never feel pressured to make a booking for fear that you will miss out on this ‘low price’ opportunity. If you have never used the company before, take your time to do some online research to ensure they are reputable.
Should you make a flight or hotel booking through a travel company, feel free to separately check with the hotel / particular airline that your booking does indeed exist.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

September Alerts

Subject: Phishing Email Alert
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
There is a phishing email currently in circulation that claims to be from the City of London Police. The departments that it claims to represent include the ‘Fraud Intelligence Unit’ and the ‘National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’. The email is titled ‘compensation fund’ and has a letter attachment that claims to be offering financial compensation to victims of fraud. The letter uses the City of London Police logo.

The letter states that in order for compensation to be arranged, the receiver of the email should reply disclosing personal information. It states that HSBC and the South African Reserve Bank have been chosen to handle the compensation claims. All of these claims are false.

The email and letter are fraudulent and should not be replied to.

Protect Yourself

Opening attachments or clicking links contained within emails from unknown sources could result in your device being infected with malware or a virus.
The City of London Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau will never email you asking for you to disclose personal information.
If you believe you have become a victim of this fraudulent email get your device checked by a professional and make a report to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk

iCAN Information: Glove Box Parking Guide

In recent years Trading Standards have received an increase in parking ticket complaints, issued in some cases by unscrupulous operators. If you’re unfortunate enough to find yourself with a parking ticket MoneySavingExpert.com have produced a useful cut out and keep guide. The guide provides information on checks you can make if you receive a parking ticket and advice on where not to park.

Neighbourhood Police Feedback
Sandymoor September 16.pdf

iCan Warning: Coca Cola Powerbanks

Powerbanks in the shape of "Coca Cola" cans, with 2200 Mah and 7200 Mah ratings have been recalled due to an unspecified safety issue. The models sold at Halfords and The Range stores are thought to be affected:

What should you do next?
If you have one of the model numbers listed above, then you should stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Halfords / The Range store for a refund.

For any queries contact Halfords on:

0345 504 53 53 or customer.services@halfords.co.uk.

Or The Range on:

0345 026 7598 or help@therange.co.uk

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Subject: Rental Fraud in Student Accommodation
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Seasonal rental fraud is an emerging trend with students looking for suitable accommodation around August, before the start of the new term. Fraudsters use a variety of websites to advertise available properties to rent, often at attractive rates and convenient locations. Adverts will seem genuine, accompanied by a number of photos and contact information to discuss your interest.
Due to demand, students will often agree to pay upfront fees to secure the property quickly, without viewing the property, only to discover that the fraudster posing as the landlord does not have ownership of the property, or often there are already tenants living there.

Protect Yourself

Only use reputable letting companies.
Do some online research such as using Google maps to check the property does exist.
Make an appointment to view the property in person.
Always view the property prior to paying any advance fees.
Look out for warning signs, such as landlords requesting a ‘holding deposit’ due to the property being in high demand.
A landlord will usually conduct some due diligence on any successful applicant. Be wary of handing over cash without the landlord requesting employment or character references.

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

August Alerts

iCAN Warning: Chinese Bank Fraudulent Inheritance Opportunity Scam

An iCAN member has received a letter claiming to be from an employee of a Chinese Bank, see below. The letter states there is money held in the Bank account of a deceased individual, who just happens to have a similar name to that of the recipient and conveniently there are no next of kin.
The sender proposes to split the money with the recipient if they agreed to go along with the fraud. In reality there is no money and the fraudster will develop the relationship via email in order to extract bank account details and other personal information of the recipient. In many cases the fraudster will develop the story which will usually involve the need to send money, usually via money transfer, to the fraudster in order to release the ‘inheritance’.
The scam story will vary but the objective never does, the fraudster wants to trick the recipient into giving them money! Trading Standards are urging Halton residents not to respond to these letters or indeed any emails or text messages of this kind. Instead make Trading Standards aware of them using the contact details below. Also by responding, your details may be passed to other scammers and you will receive more scams letters, emails and phone calls.

Subject: Don't Be a Money Mule
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Students are being recruited, sometimes unwittingly, as “mules” by criminals to transfer illegally obtained money between different bank accounts.

What is a money mule?
A money mule is someone who is recruited by those needing to launder money obtained illegally. Criminals advertise fake jobs in newspapers and on the internet in a number of ways, usually offering opportunities to make money quickly, in order to lure potential money mule recruits. These include:

Social media posts
Copying genuine company’s websites to create impression of legitimacy
Sending mass emails offering employment
Targeting individuals that have posted their CVs on employment websites

Students are particularly susceptible to adverts of this nature. For someone in full-time education, the opportunity for making money quickly can understandably be an attractive one. The mule will accept money into their bank account, before following further instructions on what to do with the funds. Instructions could include transferring the money into a separate specified account or withdrawing the cash and forwarding it on via money transfer service companies like Western Union or MoneyGram. The mule is generally paid a small percentage of the funds as they pass through their account.

Money Laundering is a criminal offence which can lead to prosecution and a custodial sentence. Furthermore, it can lead to the mule being unable to obtain credit in the UK and prevented from holding a bank account.

Protect Yourself
Be aware that the offence of money laundering carries a maximum prison sentence, in the UK, of 14 years.
Never give the details of your bank account to anyone that you do not trust.
No legitimate company will ever ask you to use your own bank account to transfer their money. Don’t accept any job offers that ask you to do this.
Be wary of unsolicited emails or social media posts promising ways of earning easy money. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t be afraid to question the legitimacy of any businesses that make you a job offer, especially if the recruitment procedure strays from the conventional.

Subject: Bin fire awareness
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Chris McCue (Police, PCSO, Runcorn LPU West PCSO)
During the later months of the year we tend to have an increase in wheelie bin fires.

To help us combat this please remember to put your bins out on the morning of collection and bring them back into your property as soon as you can.

If you notice any suspicious behaviour whereby people are taking wheelie bins to remote locations ect please report it to us on 101 before any damage can be done.

Thank you,

Chris McCue
PCSO 21134
Runcorn LPU

iCAN Warning: another Scam email pretending to be from Apple

Another Halton resident has received a scam email pretending to be from Apple, confirming a purchase from them. Scammers will use similar emails and pretend to be from other online retailers or PayPal.

If you receive this email delete it without opening it and without clicking on any links.

The scammers send out blanket emails like this one hoping the recipient has got, in this case, an Apple account and clicks on the link to resolve the problem. They will then steal the account information after the recipient has completed the online access form via the bogus link.

If you receive an email from any business to confirm a purchase that you’re not sure you’ve made don’t respond to the email, instead log into your account with that business and check your purchase history.

iCAN information: Which? calls on the government to safeguard us from scams

Which? has launched a campaign calling on the government to safeguard us from scams, saying:

‘Fraud is now at record levels, with more than five million scams costing Brits a mind-boggling £9bn each year. And while there are sensible steps we can all take to protect ourselves, an unfair burden has been placed on the public. We’re urging the government to take the lead and ensure companies safeguard us all from scams.

We’re calling on the government’s Joint Fraud Taskforce to:

Examine whether companies are taking enough responsibility when their customers are defrauded
Investigate what improvements should be made to the processes, systems and practices firms use to prevent fraud
Recommend, by the end of the year, how companies should better protect their customers from fraud

Don’t let the fraudsters get away with it – convince the government to confront scams head on by signing our petition’.

iCAN information: Runcorn man prosecuted for selling counterfeit football kits through his Facebook page

A Runcorn man who was selling counterfeit football clothing from his Caeathro holiday home has been ordered to wear a tagging device for the next four months.

In a case brought by Gwynedd Council’s Trading Standards team, the Runcorn man was sentenced at Caernarfon Magistrate’s Court on the 8th August.

The 45-year-old was given a community order and will have to wear a tagging device and be confined to his home in Runcorn between the hours of 7pm and 7am for the next four months.

He was also ordered to pay the Council’s legal costs of £1,222.88 and a further £60 victim surcharge.

The magistrates also ordered that he sign a forfeiture order after he pleaded guilty to six charges of supplying football kits which contravened the provisions of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Following the receipt of intelligence that the man was selling a large quantity of football clothing from his holiday home in Caeathro, Gwynedd via his Facebook page, a covert operation was carried out by Gwynedd Council’s Trading Standards Unit, when he supplied a counterfeit Liverpool football kit to an undercover enforcement officer.

Analysis by the Trade Mark holder proved the kit to be counterfeit and in a joint operation with North Wales Police a further 261 assorted counterfeit New Balance, Nike and Adidas football kits with an estimated retail value of £15,000 were seized.

If you have information relating to the sale of any illegal goods you can report the matter to Trading Standards, anonymously if you like, by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: scam email pretending to be from Apple about a Tom Tom Europe order

An iCAN member has received the fake email below. The notes in red text explain how we know it’s a scam.

If you receive this email delete it without opening it and without clicking on any links.

The scammers send out blanket emails like this one hoping the recipient has got, in this case, an Apple account and clicks on the link to resolve the problem. They will then steal the account information after the recipient has completed the online access form via the bogus link.
Remember, if you’re contacted by an organisation via any communication method you don’t have to respond straight away, instead call them or email them to verify their request using contact details that you have used before and are therefore confident in their authenticity.

Subject: Fraudsters selling non-existent drones
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Online shopping websites are being utilised by fraudsters to advertise nonexistent drones of various specifications for competitive prices.

Drones are personal flying devices that often carry cameras and can be navigated remotely by smartphones or hand-held controllers. Fraudsters are capitalising on their recent popularity and advertising non-existent drones at a lower value than their recommended retail price to tempt buyers.

After victims agree to purchase the drone, the fraudsters request payment to be paid via bank transfer saying that it will quicken the delivery process. After transferring the money the buyers never receive the drone and the fraudster blocks the victim to prevent further conversation.

How to protect yourself:

Check the validity of the post.
Avoid paying by bank transfer and instead use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.
Check feedback online by searching the associated phone numbers or email addresses of the seller. Feedback will give you useful information about recent transactions other buyers may have made.
If the item is below market value consider whether this is an opportunity too good to be true.
If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

iCAN Warning: Fake emails about tax refunds pretending to be from HMRC

An iCAN member has received two fake emails (below) within half an hour of each other, both pretending to be from HMRC and advising that she was entitled to a tax refund. It appears that the messages have been sent from different addresses. We know that they’re fake because HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate or refund by email.
If you receive these or a similar email pretending to be from HMRC do not respond to the email, click on any links or download any attachments. Instead, forward it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

Subject: Advance Fee Fraud (Courier)

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
People selling their items on online platforms are falling victim to a new type of advance fee fraud. This involves a fraudster, posing as a buyer, sending an email to the seller (victim), agreeing to the full asking price of the item. They state that they are unable to collect the item themselves and will arrange for a courier to pick it up instead.

The fraudster then sends a fake payment confirmation email from a different email address, one which falsely purports to be from a payment platform. In the course of the email exchange, the seller/victim is requested to pay the courier fee. Once the payment is made the contact is broken, the item is not picked up and the money paid for the ‘courier’ is gone.

An example of the most recent emails received by the victim/seller, from the ‘Buyer’, read:

“I want you to consider this a deal as i am willing to pay your full asking price! i actually want to buy it for a family member who is urgently in need of it, i have checked through your posting and i'm fully satisfied with it. Unfortunately, i would not be able to come personally to view/collect, i work offshore as an instructor on a oil rig so i dont have time at all, but like i said i am 100% OK with the advert”

Protect Yourself:

Be wary when buyers wish to purchase items at the full asking price without viewing them.
Check the validity of the payment receipt confirmation
Avoid paying an advanced fee if you are a seller; should you choose to use a courier, arrange your own.
Check feedback online by searching the associated phone numbers or email addresses of the seller/buyer. Feedback will give you useful information about recent transactions other buyers/sellers have made.
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

iCAN information: Runcorn man receives a suspended sentence for offences relating to illicit tobacco and counterfeit vodka
A Runcorn man was sentenced yesterday (9th August) at Runcorn Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to 21 offences relating to counterfeit and illicit alcohol and tobacco seized from his taxi, his personal vehicle and a storage unit last December.
The man, who was working as a taxi driver in Chester, was stopped in his taxi just after leaving his home address in Runcorn during a joint operation with Halton Trading Standards and Cheshire Police. The haul of illicit hand rolling tobacco and cigarettes along with 26 litres of counterfeit Vodka and 108 bottles of illicit wine (that were not marked with traceability information) had a street value of over £1700.
The taxi was also seized by the Police because it was being used to facilitate crime, along with £790 in cash and three mobile phones.
The prosecution was taken by Halton Trading Standards (for illicit and counterfeit products) and Halton Environmental Health (for food safety and food labelling issues).
The Vodka was analysed and found to be unfit for human consumption and unsafe because it contained i-Propanol and i-Butanol. i-Propanol is a chemical that’s commonly found in rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers, and certain cleaning products and poisoning usually causes: stomach pain; confusion; dizziness; slowed breathing and can lead to a coma. i-Butanol is a chemical that is used in paint solvents, varnish removers and ink, and poisoning can cause irritation to eyes, skin & throat; headache and drowsiness.
Sentencing the defendant to 6 months and 12 weeks custody (to run concurrently, both suspended for 2 years) and a 20 day Community Requirement plus ordering that he pay £1000 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge, the Court commented that as a taxi-driver he had been in a position of trust when he was selling bottles of Vodka that had been contaminated, which was a public health issue. The Court granted an application for the forfeiture of all goods and cash seized including the taxi which the defendant had valued at £26,000.
If you have information about anybody selling counterfeit alcohol or tobacco in Halton you can let Trading Standards know about it, anonymously if you want, by contacting them via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06

iCAN Warning: Scam phone call pretending to be from your Internet provider

Cheshire Police have issued a warning about a telephone scam targeting older people involving fraudsters posing as internet providers.

A man has contacted a number of people in Crewe, Chester, Warrington and Runcorn to tell them their modem was not compatible with their computer and the customer was owed £200.

The fraudster then informs the victim a bigger sum had been transferred instead by mistake, which they needed to repay.

Officers are reminding residents to remain vigilant and are issuing the following advice in-case they receive one of these telephone calls.

• Don′t be rushed into doing what the caller asks – if they are genuine they will allow you time to think and to call them back when you’re ready.

• Never assume a caller is genuine just because they hold some information about you. Criminals may already have some basic information, such as a name, address and account details to try to make the call appear legitimate.

• Always be wary of cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back – they will stay silently on the line, pretending to answer when they hear you finish dialling.

• To make sure the scammer is off the line you could try phoning a relative or friend .

iCAN Warning: Scam email pretending to be from the Nat West Bank

A Halton resident has received the scam email below which is intended to obtain your personal information. This particular email claims to be from the Nat West and is claiming your online account access has been disabled. The scammers send out blanket emails like this one hoping the recipient has got, in this case, a Nat West account and clicks on the link to resolve the problem. They will then steal the account information after the recipient has completed the online access form via the bogus link. Scammers send out similar messages pretending to be from banks, building societies, PayPal and other well-known organisations.
Remember if you’re contacted by an organisation via any communication method you don’t have to respond straight away, instead call them or email them to verify their request using contact details that you have used before and are therefore confident in their authenticity.

July 2016 Alerts.
Subject: Upgrade Fraud
This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Fraudsters are impersonating telephone service providers and contacting their clients offering a phone upgrade on a low monthly payment contract. The fraudsters will glean all your personal and financial details which will then be used to contact the genuine phone provider and order a new mobile phone handset. The fraudsters will either intercept the delivery before it reaches the victim’s address or order the handset to a different address.

Protect yourself

Never provide your personal information to a third party from an unsolicited communication.
Obtain the genuine number of the organisation being represented and verify the legitimacy of the communication.
If the offer is too good to be true it probably is.
If you have provided personal information and you are concerned that your identity may be compromised consider Cifas Protection Registration.

If you have been a victim of fraud report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

iCAN Warning: Gold Buyers Cold Calling In the Widnes Area

Halton Trading Standards Service has received a number of calls from Halton residents regarding two males cold calling door to door offering to purchase gold and jewellery. In one incident the males offered to buy gold at £8 per gram, when the market value is c.£32 per gram. The trader had a driving licence on a lanyard around his neck which he was using as an ID badge. One of the men was late 40s about 5ft 10, bald and very well spoken.

In another incident a male, in his late 40’s early 50’s, skinny build and described as being scruffy with a local accent and no ID, cold called a resident and asked her if she had any jewellery that was valuable and made it clear that he was not selling anything. The trader gave the resident a plain white envelope and said he would call back as he was with another man who would value the jewellery. The resident could not see another man and thought this was a lie.

This male disregarded the ‘no cold caller’ card displayed on the front door (a potential criminal offence in its own right) and even made reference to it saying he could see she had the card on her door but that Trading Standards had told him he had to stand away from the door. When the trader knocked the second time she told him she had nothing for him and he left.

Halton Trading Standards have not provided any advice to traders operating in this manner and are keen to speak to the two men to understand their business operation and to assess the accuracy of any scales being used to purchase gold. Furthermore, if you are contemplating selling any gold or jewellery we would recommend you visit a reputable gold buying business or jeweller and if possible receive two or three different quotes, that way you should receive a fair price.

If you have any further information regarding the two males, or you want advice, then please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Food Product Recall - Tiori branded Golden Vegetable Microwaveable Rice 250g

F.E.I. Foods Ltd has recalled its Tiori branded Golden Vegetable Microwaveable Rice because the product contains egg and this is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg.

Product details:
Tiori Goldern Vegetable
Date Code BB25/11/2017
Barcode 5060243230072
Product name: Golden Vegetable Microwaveable Rice
Brand: Tiori
Pack size: 250g
‘Best before’ date: 25 November 2017

This product is only sold by ASDA. No other F.E.I. Foods Ltd products are known to be affected.

What to do if you have purchased the product:
If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to egg, do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where you bought it.

Action taken by the company:
F.E.I. Foods Ltd is recalling the affected product from sale and will contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. The product is only sold in ASDA stores and ASDA will be displaying a point-of-sale notice in stores

iCAN Warning: E.ON Power Adapters

E.ON have recalled two types of power adapters with immediate effect. These were included with some of the in home energy displays (also called smart energy displays) that were mainly supplied to customers between 2012 and 2015 along with their smart meter.

After testing, the outer casing of the adapters can become loose, exposing the internal wires with the potential to cause an electric shock.

Product details:
model Nos. TEKA006-0500500BS and SPS-02C5-0.5CU

What should you do next?
If you have one of the model numbers listed above, then as a precaution, switch off your power supply at the wall, unplug your in home display, and stop using the power adapter straightaway.

What should I do once I’ve removed my power adapter?
Keep hold of your in home display as a free replacement power adapter will be sent out to you from September 2016, along with a pre-paid envelope to return the faulty adapter to E.ON.

Will my smart meter be affected by this recall?
No, your smart meter won’t be affected – they’ll work as normal and you’ll continue to get accurate bills. Your in home displays won’t work until you have your replacement power adapter.

iCAN Warning: Bogus email from Nationwide

This is the latest email currently in circulation attempting to obtain your personal information. This particular email claims to be from Nationwide (Building Society) and is claiming your online account access has expired. The scammers send out blanket emails like this one hoping the recipient has got, in this case, a Nationwide account. They will then steal the account information after the recipient has completed the online access form via the bogus link.

Remember if you’re contacted by an organisation via any communication method you don’t have to respond straight away, instead call them or email them to verify their request using contact details that you have used before and are therefore confident in their authenticity.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Fake email for HMRC Tax Refund

A Halton resident has received the fake email below informing them they are entitled to a tax refund from HMRC and requesting them to complete a claim form online.

This is a scam. If you receive this email delete it without opening it and do not click on any links.
emails from HMRC will never:

notify you of a tax rebate
offer you a repayment
ask you to disclose personal information such as your full address, postcode, Unique Taxpayer Reference or details of your bank account
give a non HMRC personal email address to send a response to
ask for financial information such as specific figures or tax computations, unless you’ve given us prior consent and you have formally accepted the risks
have attachments, unless you have given prior consent and you have formally accepted the risks
provide a link to a secure log-in page or a form asking for information - instead we will ask you to log on to your online account to check for information

Remember if you’re contacted by an organisation via any communication method you don’t have to respond straight away, instead call them or email them to verify their request using contact details that you have used before and are therefore confident in their authenticity.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06.

iCAN Warning: Recall of IKEA PATRULL safety gates
IKEA has recalled its PATRULL safety gates, due to a risk of children falling down stairs, see images below:

IKEA has received customer reports where PATRULL safety gates have opened unexpectedly and children have fallen down stairs. Some of the incidents have required medical attention. A third party investigation has shown that the locking mechanism is not reliable, posing a risk for small children, despite approved tests to applicable standards.
What to do if you have purchased one of these items?
Ikea are advising all customers that have a PATRULL safety gate to immediately stop using it and to take it back to an IKEA store for a full refund. No proof of purchase (receipt) is required. For more information, please contact IKEA on 0203 645 0010.

Subject: Inheritance Fraud
Inheritance fraud usually occurs when you are told that someone very rich has died and you are in line to receive a huge inheritance. A fraudster who claims to be a Business Relations Manager from an overseas bank or legal official contacts you through email or a letter stating that a person sharing your family name has died and left behind a vast amount of money. The fraudster suggests that as you share the same family name as the deceased, you can be the beneficiary of the estate and rather than handing any ‘Inheritance Tax’ over to the government you can split the inheritance with the fraudster.

The fraudster will emphasise the need for secrecy and warn you not to tell anyone else about the deal. To hurry you into making a hasty decision, they will also stress the need to act quickly.

If you respond to the fraudster, they will ask you to pay various fees – for example: taxes, legal fees, banking fees etc. – so they can release your non-existent inheritance. Each time you make a payment, the fraudsters will come up with a reason why the inheritance cannot be paid out unless you make another payment. If you ask, they will also give you reasons why the fees cannot be taken from your inheritance and have to be paid up front.

If you become reluctant to pay a fee or suggest you cannot afford it, the fraudsters will put pressure on you by reminding you how close you are to receiving a sum of money much greater than the fees you’ve already handed over, and of how much you’ve already paid out. The fraudsters may also ask for your bank details so they can pay the inheritance directly into your bank account. If you hand over your bank details, the fraudsters can use them to empty your account.

You could be a victim of inheritance fraud if:

You’ve received an email or letter informing you that someone you may be related to has died without leaving a will and you may be in line to inherit.
You’ve paid fees to ‘research specialists’ who offer to sell you an estate report that includes information on the inheritance and how you can claim it.

What should you do if you’re a victim of inheritance fraud?

End all further contact with the fraudsters. Don’t send them any more money. Don’t give them your bank details.
If you have already given the fraudsters your bank account details, alert your bank immediately.
If you receive any threats from the fraudsters once you have stopped co-operating with them, alert the police immediately.
Be aware that you’re now likely to be a target for other frauds. Fraudsters often share details about people they have successfully targeted or approached, using different identities to commit further frauds. People who have already fallen victim to fraudsters are particularly vulnerable to the fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters contact people who’ve already lost money through fraud and claim to be law enforcement officers or lawyers. They’ll advise the victim that they can help them recover their lost money – but request a fee.

Protect yourself against inheritance fraud

Although there are legitimate companies who make a living by tracking down heirs, they do not do it in this way. If you are asked for a fee for a report, it is very likely to be bogus.
Letters/documents provided by the fraudsters are generally badly written. Look out for spelling mistakes and poor grammar.
Beware if you are asked to contact a webmail address such as @Yahoo or @Hotmail. As a rule, legitimate law firms do not use them.
As in most cases of fraud, if the promise seems too good to be true, it most probably is.
If you have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

iCAN Warning: Phone Fraudsters Posing as Police Officers

Cheshire Police are currently investigating an incident that occurred on 28th June relating to an elderly couple who received several phone calls from a man who said he was from the Metropolitan Police.

The couple were told that their credit cards and bank account had been compromised, they were also informed that the offenders, who worked at the bank, had counterfeit money.

The caller then advised the victims to withdraw as much cash as possible from their account as it may have been counterfeit. After withdrawing the money the couple then received another call telling them that a man would be coming to their home to pick up the money so that it could be checked to see if it was counterfeit or not.

The offender is described as of Asian origin, approximately 5ft 5ins tall, with short black hair and possibly a moustache. The man was wearing dark clothing.

Don′t be afraid to put the phone down on someone if you are unsure about handing over details.
Banks never call and ask for your four-digit card pin number or ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them or transfer money to another account.
Never assume a caller is genuine just because they hold some information about you. Criminals may already have some basic information, such as a name, address and account details to try to make the call appear legitimate.
Always be wary of cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back.
If in doubt ask for the officer′s name, collar number and station and then hang up. Using a different phone, as the caller may still be linked to yours, call 101 to check the identity of the officer.
Remember that it takes two people to terminate a call so try and use a different phone line if you are asked to ring back. If you think you′ve already been a victim of this scam, contact your bank or card company immediately.

Do not click on any links or open attachments contained within unsolicited emails.
Do not reply to scam emails or contact the senders in any way.
If an email appears to have come from a person or organisation you know of but the message is unexpected or unusual, contact them directly via another method to confirm that they sent you the email.
If you receive an email which asks you to login to an online account via a link provided in the email, instead of clicking on the link, open your browser and go directly to the company’s website yourself.
If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.

If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank, and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Subject: Local News

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary
Message sent by
Gary Cooney (Police, PCSO, Runcorn LPU East PCSO)
All Users,

Interested in starting a new career?
Looking to develop yourself further?
Head to St Andrews Church on Grangeway, Runcorn Job club held every Tuesday at 10:30am.

"Training opportunities open for all in their community"
Open 360 Modern Job Search – Work Club
We really do understand what it is like to be unemployed
You would be most welcome here at St Andrews in Runcorn
It is free to attend the Job Club and you will get:
Free refreshments
Use of a Laptop
Free internet access
Free printing and photocopying
Free stationery to help you apply for jobs
Free USB memory stick to save your Job Club stuff
Free phone to call people about jobs
We will help you to:
Learn how to use a computer
Be able to do your C.V and Cover Letter
Get an e-mail address
Register on Universal Job Match
Learn how to do Job Searches & Job Applications
How best to prepare for an Interview
We will help you practice for an interview
Every Tuesday Time: 10-30am to 12-30pm We are at: St Andrews Church, Grange, Festival Way, Runcorn WA7 5JZ
Give us a text on 07901 565651 and we will call you back:
Call St Andrews Church on 01928 574357 or Lorraine, Peter on 01928 592742
E-mail info@open360.co.uk or p.nunu@open360.co.uk
Make sure you don’t miss out – get in touch today!

Subject: Counterfeit Cheques

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Businesses are being contacted for the sale of goods or services by fraudsters, who request to pay by cheque. The fraudster sends a cheque with a higher value than the amount expected, and then sends the business a request for the difference with instructions on how it should be paid back. This is usually by bank transfer or through a money transfer service, such as Western Union or PaySafe. Once the ‘refund’ has been provided, it is realised that the cheque provided was fraudulent and no funds are credited to the business’s account.

The NFIB has seen an increase of 84% in the number of counterfeit cheque frauds reported to Action Fraud since November 2015. Criminals are targeting a wide range of services including paintings or other artwork, photography and lessons, with various amounts requested to be refunded. The average amount requested to be refunded is £1,818. The highest amount requested was over £80,000.

The suspects have used pressure tactics to persuade victims to refund the amounts immediately prior to the cheques clearing.

Crime Prevention Advice

Be cautious of payments where the amount provided is higher than expected. Refuse to provide the service unless the correct balance is received or wait until the cheque has cleared before refunding the difference.
Always contact banks on a trusted number found on their website or correspondence that is known to be authentic to confirm whether the cheque has cleared.
Do not feel pressured to provide a refund before the cheque has cleared.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Subject: Euro 2016 Ticketing Fraud

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
The 2016 European Football Championships will begin shortly and those wanting to purchase last minute tickets are likely to be targeted by fraudsters posing as official sellers. Purchasing from an unauthorised seller or a ticket tout could leave you out of pocket; not only are the tickets advertised at inflated prices, there is a risk that the tickets purchased are counterfeit or do not exist. Any individual with a counterfeit ticket will be refused entry.

Resale Platform

Consumers wanting to sell their tickets can do so through the resale platform, where tickets will be resold at face value. For further information please visit UEFA’s website. Those seeking to purchase tickets are advised to check the site regularly as tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis and are likely to change regularly as different tickets become available to purchase.

Only purchase tickets from an authorised seller by using the exchange portal.
When using the portal do not be encouraged to contact the seller privately and complete the transaction outside of the portal.
Be wary of purchasing tickets from a social media account. There is a risk that the ticket does not exist or is counterfeit. Consider conducting research on the information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated to them online.
Avoid making payments through bank transfer or money transfer services, as the payment may not be recoverable.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

iCAN Warning: Fake email pretending to be from Barclays bank
Within a matter of days an iCAN member has been targeted twice by scammers pretending to be from high street banks. The most recent email pretends to be from Barclays – see the red text below which explains how we know it’s a fake.
If you receive this email delete it without opening and do not click on any links. Fake emails often have viruses embedded in them or attached to links, which can infect your computer or give the scammers access to your personal information.

From: Barclays PLC. <brky@sps.mobi> (This address has nothing to do with Barclays Bank)
Date: 6 June 2016 17:52:02 BST
To: ".." <brky@sps.mobi>
Subject: New Document Is Available.
Dear Barclays Member, (A bank would always use you actual name)

You have 2 new documents available in Barclays Cloud It View Now.
( This link takes you to a link that has nothing to do with Barclays)
Barclays PLC.

(There are no logos or legal info which would normally accompany a signature from a genuine bank)

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

iCAN Warning: Recall of Nine Mixed Fuses sold at Poundworld and Bargain Buys
Poundworld Retail Ltd has identified the above product sold at its Poundworld and Bargain Buys stores and through its Discount Wholesale website as counterfeit and as such, there is a potential safety issue. This product, falsely branded as Bussmann, is not up to the required safety standards and presents a possible danger to property or serious injury.
Distinctive Poundworld packaging of counterfeit product:

If out of the packaging, this product can be identified by the falsely branded Bussmann mark and these distinctive markings. The circles show the distinctive markings used to identify the counterfeit Poundworld product.

What should I do if I have purchased one of these items?
Please stop using the product immediately and return the item to any Poundworld store for a refund or exchange.
No genuine Bussmann products sold through Bussmann authorised distributors are affected by this notice.
Poundworld has since sourced genuine Bussmann fuses. These can be recognised as a pack of 10 assorted fuses with the following product code SAMIXAMPF10PK30.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

May 2016 Alerts.

iCAN Warning: recall of Osprey Poco AG Child Carriers
The manufacturer is advising customers to inspect their Poco AG Child Carrier due to a possible buckle failure hazard, which presents the risk of physical injury.
Only Poco AG models (Poco AG Premium, Poco AG Plus and Poco AG) are affected and relate to products purchased from 29 January 2016.
All other Poco models (i.e. NON Poco AG) sold between 2012 and January 2016 are not affected.
If you own any Poco AG product, STOP USING IT IMMEDIATELY and carry out your own inspection following the instructions below or call the manufacturer on 01202 946444 or email Customer Services at poco@ospreyeurope.com
How to check your Poco AG

A video showing how to check the product is available on the Osprey website: http://tinyurl.com/h4mbccl.]
If you have found a defective buckle, do not use and contact Osprey. If you need to arrange a collection for your Poco AG, please print and complete this form and include it with your return.

If label has a red dot, it has been inspected and is safe to use.
Poco AG bought after 12 May 2016 has been inspected by Osprey and is safe to use.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

Subject: Apple ID/iCloud Phishing Scam
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Fraudsters are sending phishing texts and e-mail messages to members of the public, claiming to be from Apple. The messages typically state that the recipient’s iCloud or iTunes account is out of date and that they need to follow a link to avoid account suspension. Once the link has been followed, victims are prompted for personal information, such as their bank account details.

Protect Yourself:

Don’t open web links contained in unsolicited texts or e-mails.
Never provide your personal information to a third party from an unsolicited communication.
If you have provided personal information and you are concerned that your identity may be compromised consider Cifas Protection Registration which can be found here: https://www.cifas.org.uk/protective_registration_form.
If you receive what you believe to be a phishing message purporting to be from Apple, report it to reportphishing@apple.com

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

April 2016 Alerts.

Subject: Crime Prevention Advice.
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

Message sent by
Dan Williams (Police, PC, Runcorn LPU West Beat Mgmt)
Cheshire Police have recently recieved reports that organised teams of criminals are targeting single shoppers in retail outlets and premises in the Runcorn area.
These groups or teams may try to strike up a conversation with single shoppers by asking questions about products and whilst the shopper is engaged, another may try to steal property belonging to them.
Other methods of distraction may include one of the team asking for directions and producing a map to fully engage the shopper, whilst either the thief rummages in the shoppers bags or a team member will approach unseen and target the distracted shopper.
We would like to remind people to keep a close eye on all possessions and be aware of your surroundings.
Please report any suspicious incidents on 101, or if an emergency on 999.

Thank you,
PC Dan Williams on behalf of PC Grundy - Runcorn Local Policing Unit.

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

Protect Yourself:

Stay within auction guidelines.
Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.
Agree a suitable time to meet face to face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’. A ‘puppy farm’ is a commercial dog breeding enterprise where the sole aim is to maximise profit for the least investment. Commercial dog breeders must be registered with their local authority and undergo regular inspections to ensure that the puppies are bred responsibly and are in turn fit and healthy. Illegally farmed puppies will often be kept in inadequate conditions and are more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses associated with irresponsible breeding.
When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

March 2016 Alerts.

iCAN information: Get your dog microchipped for free before the law changes

From the 6th of April 2016 all dogs over the age of 8 weeks in England are required by law to be fitted with a microchip and registered with their keepers’ contact details. All keepers, including breeders, must keep these details up to date.

Once the new rules come into effect, if a dog without a microchip comes to the attention of the authorities, its keeper may be served with a notice requiring the dog to be microchipped within 21 days or face a fine of £500.

Having your dog microchipped will mean that if it’s found lost or straying you can be quickly reunited without it having to be kennelled. In cases where the owner cannot be contacted the dog will be kennelled and the owner will have to pay these costs if they want to reclaim their pet.

Halton Borough Council promotes responsible dog ownership and is providing free microchipping at two drop-in sessions:

5th April 2016 at the Town Hall Runcorn 10:00am to 3:30 pm (follow the signs to the gazebo)

7th April 2016 at Victoria Park Widnes (in the Band Stand) 10:00am to 3:30 pm

If you want to speak to the Environmental Protection Team call 0303 333 4300 or environmental.protection@halton.gov.uk

iCAN Warning: How to avoid pension scams

The Pensions Regulator has issued new guidance (attached) using real life experiences of people who have lost their pensions to scammers.

Halton Trading Standards have been working with two local residents who between them have lost more than £110,000 of their pension pots to scammers.

If you or somebody you know has been affected by scams please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

If you require a copy of the booklet contact Mike Byrne on 07580375768.

iCAN Warning: Fraudster pretending to be a Police Detective

Yesterday Cheshire Police received three separate reports of a man phoning Cheshire residents and stating that his name was 'Detective Andy Baldwin collar number EK206'. He sometimes claimed to be from the Met. Each time he told a slightly different story but they all involved somebody being in Police custody who had possession of the resident’s credit card. He asked questions about their bank accounts and he knew their home addresses. He told one resident that £1000 had been taken from her account. Each time he gave the resident a crime reference number and told them to call the Fraud Squad on 02084 588018.

This number has no connection to the Police. One resident rang the number and was told it was mistaken identity.

The caller may use other names and slightly different stories but he will always ask for your bank account details. One resident received the call at 11.30 at night but others were called during the day.

If you receive a call from somebody claiming to be from the Police ask for their name and collar number and before you give them any information contact the Police on 101 (their non-emergency number) to make sure the caller is genuine. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impediment you can contact the police using a text phone through Typetalk for non-emergency situations on 18001 101.

Never phone the caller on the number he has given you and wait 10 minutes to make sure your phone has disconnected from the call before using it to dial the Police on 101.

If you or somebody you know has been affected by scams please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

iCAN Warning: Good Citizen Award scam
Action Fraud has been contacted by members of the public who have received calls from people pretending to be from a government grants department. The caller says that the member of the public has won a Good Citizen Award – usually around £8,000 – and that the grant can be released for a fee (normally £210).
There is no genuine ‘Good Citizen Award’ scheme in the UK that operates by cold calling “winners” and asking for an upfront fee to release a grant.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by scams please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

Subject: Join our Thunderclap - Unite against Child Sexual Exploitation

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding CSE; encouraging everyone to think, spot and speak out against abuse, and adopt a zero tolerance to adults developing inappropriate relationships with children, or children developing inappropriate relationships with other children.

Social media is an easy way to say something, but it’s a difficult way to be heard…

Thunderclap is the first-ever crowd speaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together. It allows a single message to be mass-shared, flash mob-style, so it rises above the noise of your social networks. By boosting the signal at the same time, Thunderclap helps a single person create action and change like never before.
We are using this exciting platform to unite Cheshire against Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

You can sign up to our Thunderclap via your social media account, (it takes 30 seconds) and on the 18 March, Thunderclap on your behalf will post your support for CSE via your chosen social media account.

We need 500 supporters for our message to be heard, so please sign up today and show your support.

Let's unite against Child Sexual Exploitation.
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/38671-national-cse-awareness-day

This message has been sent using the VISAV Ltd, Neighbourhood Alert Community Messaging System.
Log into your site at http://www.ourwatchmember.org.uk

Subject: Phishing -Cheshire Police Warning

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

Message sent by
Brian Faint (Police, Seargent, HQ Economic Crime Unit)
Phishing is the attempt to acquire sensitive information, for example usernames, passwords and credit card details or steal money by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication such as email, pop-up message, phone call or text message.

The fraud and cybercrime reporting centre received on average 8,000 reports per month, with 96,699 people reporting that they had received a phishing scam.

Please see the attached City of London Police latest campaign supported by Cheshire Police.

Attached files
File nameFile size
email spoofing - release copy - COLP branding.png1,048.6 KB

This message has been sent using the VISAV Ltd, Neighbourhood Alert Community Messaging System.
Log into your site at http://www.ourwatchmember.org.uk

iCAN Warning: How to avoid Romance Scammers

If you are thinking of joining an online dating agency follow the advice below to keep yourself safe.

Halton Trading Standards are working with a Halton resident who has lost £30,000 over 12 months when he was targeted by 3 online romance scammers.

If you or somebody you know has been affected by scams please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working
with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

February 2016 Alerts.

iCAN Warning: Fraudster tried to con Halton resident following the loss of her husband

A couple of weeks after losing her husband a Halton resident was contacted by a man claiming to be from Halton Borough Council. The caller said the resident was due a refund of £286 on her Council Tax because her husband had passed away.

The caller asked for her bank account details, but when she refused and told him to post a cheque, he became quite jittery and aggressive.

She later visited HBC Direct Link who told her they had no record of anybody calling her and that she was not due a refund.

If you receive a call that you have not requested, make sure that you know who you are dealing with before you give any information about yourself or agree to part with any money – even if they seem to know things about you. Check out who the caller is by asking for the name, company name, address and telephone number. Check these details online to see if there’s any information to suggest the caller is bogus.

If the caller says they are ringing from a well-known business or organisation, look up the number for the organisation and call them – wait 10 minutes before doing this to make sure your phone has been disconnected from the line that called you.

If you or somebody you know has been affected by scams please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

iCAN Warning: Be careful with your signature

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’s (NFIB) is warning people to beware of fraudsters that turn up on your doorstep and ask for your signature.

Your signature is one part of a puzzle that the fraudsters are putting together. Your signature could be the final piece - once they get hold of it they can drain your bank account or commit identity crime.

A convicted fraudster who was recently interviewed said: “If we want to get someone’s signature it’s really easy. All we do is put on a fluorescent coat or vest, knock on the door and ask the person to sign for a letter or a flyer”. “They don’t need signing for but nobody ever questions why and we don’t hang around for a chat! Once we have the signature we can make changes on their bank accounts and authorise fraudulent money transfers.”

How to Protect Yourself

Not expecting a delivery? Be suspicious.
Question what you are signing for and look for official identification. If you do sign, just print your name.
Check your bank and financial statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the bank or financial service provider concerned.

Criminals commit different frauds depending on the type of the personal information they manage to steal. Your identity is a precious commodity; you should take every precaution to ensure that it isn’t abused or stolen.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online to Action Fraud or by phone on 0300 123 2040
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

Subject: Bogus Trades People

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
The NFIB would like to make people aware of the possible threat that Rogue Traders and Bogus Trades People pose to them. Buying on your doorstep can be convenient. However, a salesman who uses clever tactics can pressurise you into buying something you actually don’t want or something that’s poor value for money.

Protect yourself against bogus trades people fraud

Always ask for identification before letting anyone you don't know into your house.
Check credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number. The mobile phone numbers given on business cards are often pay-as-you-go numbers which are virtually impossible to trace.
Take control by asking the questions. Ask for references from previous customers or to see examples of their work.
Don’t sign on the spot – shop around. Get at least three written quotes to make sure you’re not being ripped off.
If in any doubt, ask the person to leave or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

If you do decide to buy:

Always get any agreement you make in writing.
Beware when filling in forms or when speaking to the salesperson, and ensure you don’t reveal confidential details that a fraudster could use to assume your identity or take control of your finances. This may allow a fraudster to steal money from your account or order goods and services in your name.
Usually, you have a seven-day cooling off period. So if you decide to cancel the contract, act fast.
Think very carefully about having any work done or goods delivered during the cooling off period. You may have to pay, even if you change your mind.
Never pay for work before it has been completed, and only then if you are happy with it.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

Subject: "Your Package Has Been Seized" Royal Mail Scam Email.
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Fraudsters are sending out virus infected emails that claim a package has been seized by HM Revenue & Customs upon arrival into the United Kingdom. The official looking scam emails claiming to be from Royal Mail contain a link to a document which will install malicious software on your computer designed to steal credentials like account names, email addresses and passwords.

An example email reads:
Title: Your parcel has been seized
Royal Mail is sorry to inform you that a package addressed to you was seized by HM Revenue & Customs upon arrival into the United Kingdom.
A close inspection deemed your items as counterfeit and the manufacturers have been notified. If your items are declared genuine then they will be returned back to you with the appropriate custom charges.
You may have been a victim of counterfeit merchandise and the RM Group UK will notify you on how to get your money back. Please review the attached PDF document for more information.
Document (RM7002137GB).Zip
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

To help the spread of the virus, the email also says: “you will need to have access to a computer to download and open the Zip file”. If you receive one of these emails, do not click on any links or download any attachments and report it to Action Fraud.

Protect Yourself

Royal Mail will never send an email asking for credit card numbers or other personal or confidential information.
Royal Mail will never ask customers to enter information on a page that isn’t part of the Royal Mail website.
Royal Mail will never include attachments unless the email was solicited by a customer e.g. customer has contacted Royal Mail with an enquiry or has signed up for updates from Royal Mail.
Royal Mail have also stressed that they do not receive a person’s email address as part of any home shopping experience.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone: 0300 123 2040

Subject :- iCAN Warning: Recovery Room Frauds and Timeshare Frauds

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning people of the dangers of Recovery Room fraudsters targeting former victims of Timeshare fraud.

Recovery Room Fraud is where fraudsters contact the victims of previous frauds, often by cold calling them, and claim to be able to recover your lost money.

When Recovery Room fraudsters target victims of timeshare frauds they usually claim to be a legal professional or a representative of a government agency (normally within the country where the original timeshare property was based). The fraudsters know personal details about the victim and their previous investment which gives them credibility. They claim that the advanced fees requested (usually £200-£400) are for ‘local taxes’ or ‘litigation costs’ incurred during the recovery of the funds.

They will often say that this fee is refundable as part of a ‘no-win no-fee’ basis.

Once paid, various excuses are made by the fraudsters to explain delays in the recovery of your money. They will then ask for larger amounts but your money is never recovered.

Protect Yourself

Never respond to unsolicited phone calls – if in doubt, hang up.
Always check that the details of the organisation or company contacting you (such as website, address and phone number) are correct – the fraudsters may be masquerading as a legitimate organisation.
Don’t be fooled by a professional looking website as nowadays the cost of creating a professional website is easily affordable.
Be wary of any firms or individuals asking for advanced fees.
Consider seeking independent legal and/or financial advice before making a decision.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone: 0300 123 2040

Subject: Neighbourhood Watch Survey
This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Good Afternoon,

We are sending you this message to invite you to take part in an important new survey. There are no more than eight questions which will ask you to rate your attitude to frauds and scams and how likely you are to protect yourself from them, particularly if you are online.

It’ll be really quick to complete and at the end you’ll get feedback straight away on how well protected you are and more simple steps you can take to help stop you and your family becoming victims.

We’ll also use the results to help us develop our crime prevention campaigns in the future and make sure the information we send you is as useful and relevant as possible.

We hope you’ll be able to spare a couple of minutes to fill this in to help us. If you have the time to do it now just click the button below. This survey will be live until the end of September so if you can't fill this in now you can come back and complete it at anytime before then.
Thank you.
Please click here to complete our survey

Subject :- iCAN Warning: Door to door fish seller

A 94 year old Runcorn resident has been caught out by a fraudster who knocked on her door offering a large box of fish for £20.

The resident paid using her debit card and later discovered that he had taken a payment of £270 from her card.

The same fraudster has been operating in Warrington and other parts of Cheshire over recent weeks so it’s likely that many more people have been caught out.

If you’ve bought fish from a cold-caller please:

Check your bank statement to see how much has been debited from your account
Speak to your bank to ask for a charge back and consider cancelling your card
Let Trading Standards know via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06

Avoid being caught out by other doorstep rogues by refusing to deal with people who cold-call you.

You can get a free No Cold Calling Card and Letterbox Sticker from any Halton Direct Link.

If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.

If you need advice on anything else please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 03454 04 05 06 for advice.
Could You Be Scammed? – why not take our test to find out, click here

Subject: Update: Protect Yourself from Bogus Websites

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)
(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
This is an update to a previous alert sent from Action Fraud in November 2015.

Fraudsters are setting up high specification websites advertising various electrical goods and domestic appliances. These goods are below market value and do not exist. The website will state you can pay via card; however when the purchaser goes to pay, this option is not available and the payment must be made via bank transfer.

The fraudster entices the purchaser and reassures them it is a legitimate purchase by using the widely recognised Trusted Shop Trustmark. They then use the Trustmark fraudulently and provide a link on the bogus electrical website to another bogus website (which purports to be Trusted Shops). This website shows a fake certificate purporting to be from Trusted Shops and provides thousands of reviews for the bogus electrical website. These reviews are all fraudulent. The website has not been certified by Trusted Shops and therefore the purchaser is not covered by the Trusted Shop money-back guarantee.

Protect yourself:

Check the authenticity of the website before making any purchases. Conduct a ‘Whois’ search on the website which will identify when the website has been created- Be wary of newly formed domains. You can conduct this search using the following website – https://who.is/
Conduct online research in relation to the website, company name and the business address provided to identify any poor feedback or possible irregularities.
Check the Trusted Shops Facebook page where warnings about websites using their Trustmark are published. If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of a Trustmark then you can contact Trusted Shops on 0203 364 5906 or by email service@trustedshops.co.uk. They will confirm whether they have certified that website.
Payments made via bank transfer are not protected should you not receive the item. Therefore always try to make the payment via PayPal or a credit card where you have some payment cover should you not receive your product.
If the item advertised seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

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