Crime

Text message scams

7 November 2016 0 Comments

Take Five to stop fraudA text might not be from who you think – Smishing is when criminals pretend a message is from your bank or another organisation you trust. They will usually tell you there has been fraud on your account and will ask you to deal with it by calling a number or visiting a fake website to update your personal details. Please take a moment to stop and think and realise this is the fraud…

If you think there has been fraud on your card or bank account – or if you suspect anyone has attempted to compromise your financial details – report it immediately to your bank or financial services provider and then contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/

#TakeFive

Crime, Finance, News, Security

Phone scams

31 October 2016 0 Comments

Take Five to stop fraudFraud over the phone – or Vishing – is when a fraudster calls claiming they’re from your bank or some other trusted organisation. It is easy for them to convince you too, since they can both fake the telephone number on the screen and do their research to find out some of your basic bank and personal details. Remember though, a genuine bank will never ask you for personal or financial details like your PIN number or full banking password (even by tapping it into your phone keypad).

If you think there has been fraud on your card or bank account – or if you suspect anyone has attempted to compromise your financial details – report it immediately to your bank or financial services provider and then contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/

#TakeFive

Crime, News, Security

Halloween and bonfire night advice

25 October 2016 0 Comments

halloweenKent Police have given the following advice on Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations

Halloween

Trick or treating

We hope you all have a good Halloween weekend but it’s important to remember that not everyone enjoys it – if someone is displaying a ‘no trick or treat’ sign, please respect their wishes and don’t knock at their door.

If you have elderly neighbours, friends or family make sure they know they don’t have to open the door to anyone they don’t know or aren’t expecting to help them feel safe.

It’s important everyone knows that most trick or treaters are simply getting involved in the celebrations and will be friendly, but please share our guidance on bogus callers with anyone who may have concerns, www.kent.police.uk/advice/bogus-callers-and-rogue-traders/.

Print and display a Kent Police poster to help trick or treaters know where to visit this Halloween:

Guidance for parents:

  • Never let young children go trick or treating on their own and make sure they only visit people known to your family.
  • Make sure teenagers understand not to frighten people or use flour or eggs.
  • Advise young trick or treaters to stay in a group and never go into the home of someone they don’t know.

Bonfire Night

Top tips to celebrate safely

  • Fireworks can hurt and frighten people and animals – always follow the firework code, www.saferfireworks.com/.
  • Always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to a child under 5.
  • It’s safer to go to an organised display – if you’re aged 18 or over and still want to buy your own fireworks, only buy those marked BS 7114:1988 from a reputable retailer.

Know the law

It’s an offence to:

  • sell adult fireworks to anyone under 18
  • have adult fireworks in a public place if you are under 18
  • have fireworks meant for a professional display
  • let off fireworks after 11pm and before 7am, except on Bonfire Night (allowed up to midnight), New Year’s Eve, Diwali and the Chinese New Year (all allowed up to 1am).

You can also be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

For more details on fireworks at the law visit www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law, www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law.

Kent Police

Additional safety information:

Halloween safety tips, https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/2016/10/18/rospa-haloween-safety-tips/,

Children’s costumes, https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/2016/10/22/is-your-costume-safe/

Children, Crime, News, Safety, Security

Kent’s PCC launches policing survey

10 October 2016 0 Comments

pcc_logoPolicing in Kent 2017-2021: Autumn 2016 survey

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner

Opens: 10 Oct 2016
Closes: 2 December 2016

Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner is asking people which policing priorities matter most to them.

As he prepares to write his Police and Crime Plan for 2017-2021, Matthew Scott has published a short public survey as part of a wider consultation process. The survey was launched on World Mental Health Day (10 October) in honour of the fact that mental health is the ‘golden thread’ that runs through the current plan.

Mr Scott said: ‘Mental health is not only an issue I care deeply about, but also one that has become much more important within the police and criminal justice system. It is estimated that a third of police time is now spent dealing with people who have a mental health issue and it is in everyone’s interests to ensure there is an effective response.

‘The existing Police and Crime Plan ends on 31 March 2017, to be replaced with a new plan for 2017 – 2021. I have a duty to consult with victims and the wider community so I want to know what matters most to you.

‘Please take the time to fill out my short survey and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to fill one in as well.’ (more…)

Consultation, Crime, Democracy, News

Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision

10 October 2016 0 Comments

Take Five to stop fraudUnder no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons.

Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions. A genuine bank or some other trusted organisation won’t rush you or mind waiting if you want time to think.

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

#TakeFive

Crime, Finance, News, Security

Protect yourself and others from abuse

8 October 2016 0 Comments

Stop Adult AbuseWith each kind of abuse, neglect, undue pressure or assault, there is often someone who knows it is happening or suspects that something is wrong. Please use the contact numbersbelow to report abuse or seek advice if you feel you are being abused, or think somebody is at risk of harm or abuse. You can ask someone you trust to help you.

If possible, let the person who is being abused know help is available and include them in the decision to seek help. You could share this leaflet with them, unless doing so may place them at further risk.

What happens after abuse is reported?

If you report abuse:

  • Every report of abuse is taken seriously.
  • You will be listened to and asked to provide information about the situation.
  • You will be encouraged to give your name to enable your concerns to be followed up.
  • Professionals will make enquires about the concerns.

They will contact the adult at risk to involve them in the safeguarding process wherever possible, unless to do so may place them at further risk initially.

If you think you or another person is at risk of harm or abuse

please contact 03000 41 61 61 NGT Service 18001 03000 41 61 61

Outside of normal office hours: 03000 41 91 91 NGT Service 18001 03000 41 91 91

If someone is in immediate risk contact the emergency services on 999

For further information go to:  www.kent.gov.uk/adultprotection

#StopAbuseKent

Crime, Kent County Council, News, Safety, Wellbeing