Spring Park
Neighbourhood Watch
Latest Information Message No. 90 - 28th June 2010
1. Scam – a man phoned a resident saying he had spotted a problem with her computer. Said he had 2 Microsoft technicians with him who could fix the problem remotely but they would need remote access. If the resident had given her password, this man would have accessed her online banking account.
2. Man offering gutter cleaning, handed over his business card, then said one of the chimney pots was crooked. Resident did not have chimney pots. He snatched the card back when told about No Cold Calling Zone. Description, white, late 50’s, 5ft 4ins. black wavy hair wearing white sleevless t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms, named Frank.
Dial 999 if you see anything suspicious or in an emergency
Dial 0300 123 1212 to report a crime or for advice.
Police Contact: if you see anything suspicious or in an emergency dial 999
to report a crime or for advice dial 0300 123 1212
News
February sees the launch of Scamnesty Month, both in Croydon and nationwide. It’s a campaign spearheaded by The Office of Fair Trading, its aim being to draw attention to the kinds of scams out there and to advise you on the kind of steps you should take to avoid falling victim.
Between 1 and 28 February we are asking you to drop details of any scam mailings you have received into one of our ‘Scamnesty’ boxes, located in every library in the borough as well as other easy to reach places, the details of which can all be found on our website: www.croydon.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Click here full details of the campaign as well as advice on what to look out for so that you do not become a victim of a scam.
Trading Standards have provided details of the following two incidents which happened this week (9/1/2010)
The first concerned a resident who agreed to store expensive equipment for drainage experts in his back garden. The experts explained that as the cost of the equipment was high he would need to pay them a cheque for £8000 to cover any damage and that this would be repaid when the equipment was removed. Cheque was duly issued, neither equipment nor men ever seen again, enquiries continuing.
In the second incident a resident who had work carried out to his property some two years ago received a telephone call asking him for further payment to be made - in the region of two thousand pounds. Said would be round to collect. A vigilant cab driver who drove the man to the bank reported his concerns to police who spoke to the telephone caller who hasn't been heard of since.
Residents are reminded NEVER to respond to such demands for payment and to remain alert to rogue traders and unwelcome callers.
Never let a stranger into your property and report any concerns immediately to the police and to Croydon Trading Standards on 020 8407 1309 or Consumer Direct 08454 040506.
Meet Your Local Police Team
Shirley Safer Neighbourhood Team |
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Team Members: |
Address: |
Contact: |
Sgt Simon Packham |
Shirley Team |
Phone: Contact the SNT team via email>> |
Protecting Yourself contains over 50 articles written by experts who continually update and and new content. ProtectingYourself was formed to offer a unique reference point on defending your property and yourself against criminals.
Community Group Website
A new website called 'Community Group' has been formed to offer a unique reference point on creating and uniting communities. The site contains information which can help make communities and neighbourhoods a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable place to live. The site can be accessed at http://www.communitygroup.co.uk/
Crimestoppers Launches Website for Young People
The charity Crimestoppers has launched shadow CS, a website that allows children and young people to engage with issues surrounding crime.
Shadow CS is a fun, interactive website aimed at young people aged 11 – 16+ all about crime.
It allows young people to get involved in discussions about crime and the everyday things that affect them and gives them the option of seeking advice if they don’t know what to do. The site can be accessed at www.shadowcs.co.uk
Are you worried about finding the right company when needing work done in your home and garden? Do you hope for the best when searching the phone book? Here is an answer:-Through TrustMark, the Government, the building industry and consumer groups are working together to stamp out rogue traders.
- The approved scheme operators have checked the fir’s technical skills, trading record and financial position.
- The firm has signed up to a code of practice that includes insurance, good health and safety practices and customer care.
- Their work is continually monitored for quality, trading practices and customer satisfaction.
- The firms are expected to advise you about any building regulations you need to meet and provide the requisite certificates.
- A user-friendly complaints procedure to help sort out problems and if the firm does not provide insurance cover, you will have the option to buy a warranty in case it goes out of business.
Visit this website for further information:
www.trustmark.org.uk
- Read the “Essential Advice” before you hire a tradesperson.
- Click on “Find a registered firm”.
- Choose the trade, e.g., plumber, electrician.
- From the list of trade associations etc, click on any name of an operator, click on their details to move to the approved scheme operator’s own website. Then use their own database to find a TrustMark registered firm near you.
Or, for consumer advice telephone: Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
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Safeguard your mobile phone
Your mobile phone is important to you. It helps you to keep in touch with friends and family and can be used in emergencies. To protect it and other property in the future visit www.immobilise.com and register your items FREE. You will need your IMEI number, usually printed on a label found behind the phone’s battery. Otherwise simply key in the following on the handset and the number will be displayed on the screen. *#06#
Incident Reporting Log
To help residents record all the relevant information about an incident, a handy Incident Reporting log has been produced to keep handy for jotting down details when something happens. Also available in PDF format here>>
The Met Police requires your help and vigilance in keeping Londoners safe, see the advice information page for more details
If you suspect it, report it Don't touch, warn others, move away and dial 999
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