Crime
Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Election
Candidates have been announced for the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Election on Thursday 5th May 2016. More information can be viewed on the dedicated ‘Kentparo’ website. www.kentparo.org.uk The candidates are listed below.
To cast your vote you will need to register to vote by 18th April 2016 … /register-to-vote-for-pcc-elections
Ashford Borough Council 08 April 2016 www.ashford.gov.uk/news/kent-police-and-crime-commissioner-election-on-5th-may-1334/ (more…)
Register to vote for PCC Elections
You must be registered to vote by 18th April to vote for the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent.
Polling cards have been sent to voters in Ashford for the Police and Crime Commissioner Election. If you have not received yours, and think you have registered to vote contact Electoral Services at Ashford Borough Council.
If you have not registered Register Now: (more…)
Do you have a polling card for PCC Elections?
Polling cards have been sent to voters in Ashford for the Police and Crime Commissioner Election. If you have not received yours, and think you have registered to vote contact Electoral Services at Ashford Borough Council:
If you have not registered Register Now: (more…)
Child Sexual Exploitation Day
Today is national child sexual exploitation awareness day. Do you know the signs to look out for? The following guidance is provided by Kent Police
Signs of child sexual exploitation
Operation Willow is a partnership between Kent Police, Kent County Council, Medway Authority and the NHS to respond to concerns and promote awareness of CSE by working closely with schools, GPs, taxi firms, hotels and pubs.
Children and young people often don’t realise they’re being exploited.
If you’re a parent, you work with young people or you’re just concerned that someone may be at risk of CSE, there are a number of signs you can look out for:
- Unexplained gifts or expensive items eg clothes, mobiles
- Drug or alcohol use
- Bruises or marks on the body
- Suffering from sexually transmitted infections
- Going missing or regularly running away
- Missing school or not taking part in education
- Getting into or out of different vehicles
-
Changes in behaviour eg aggressive, defensive, mood swings
- Inappropriate sexual behaviour eg over familiar with strangers, sexting
- Changes in appearance eg losing weight, malnourished
- Hanging out with anti-social groups, gangs, known criminals and/or fighting
- Having older boyfriends, girlfriends or friends
- Involved in abusive relationships, feeling fearful of certain people.
Are you concerned about a child?
If you’re concerned a child is suffering or is likely to be harmed, you can either call:
- See something, say something – 116000
- Kent Police – 101 (ask to speak to our Combined Safeguarding Team)
- Kent County Council’s children’s social services – 03000 414444 (out of hours emergency number: 03000 419191)
- Medway Council’s children’s social care – 01634 334466 (out of hours emergency number: 03000 419191)
- NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
- Childline – 0800
More information is available on
Kent Police Child Sexual Exploitation page
http://www.kent.police.uk/advice/victims/abuse_assault/vulnerable_people/vul_child.html
Kent Safeguarding Children Board Child Sexual Exploitation page
http://www.kscb.org.uk/guidance/sexual-abuse-and-exploitation
ADT Security Scam
There are reports of people, claiming to be from ADT Security knocking on doors in Ashford saying that they are undertaking security surveys. We are not currently sure of the reason that these people are knocking but it appears very suspicious. They could be rogue traders, scammers or criminals looking for burglary opportunities.
Do not allow these people into your home.
The Community Safety Unit have been notified but
- Let us know if you these people approach you.
- If you have signed or agreed anything with these people do report to Kent Trading Standards via Citizens Advice
- Report a problem to Citizens Advice online
- Call the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 03454 04 05 06 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)
- Textphone 18001 03454 04 05 06
- If you have invited them into your home do check your security.
Copycat websites
Copycat websites charge consumers premium prices for government services they can get for free or cheaper from GOV.UK. If you ever need to search for a government service, don’t use a search engine, go to GOV.UK and search there instead.
Sometimes it’s good to just talk
Talking about abuse can make a huge difference though. Simple conversations can really help reinforce a victim’s sense of identity and self-confidence, two things we know can be hard to come by. Let them talk about the abuse when they want to, listen to them, but allow them to talk about other things as they choose. Remember they were your friend or relative before you ‘knew’ – so let them be free to stay your friend and not just be defined as a ‘victim’.
Finally, if in doubt about what would help, ask them. Countless women we support tell us what a difference it makes being asked what they want, rather than having help ‘imposed’ on them. The journey out of domestic violence can take a long time and involve a whole range of things from the psychological to the practical. (more…)
Warning of upsurge in text scams
Consumers are being warned of a recent upsurge in spoof text message which appear to be sent from their bank or a government department in a bid to steal their personal or financial information.
The scam text messages claim that there has been suspicious activity on the recipient’s account or that their account details need to be ‘updated’ or ‘verified’. The recent rising trend has been reported to Financial Fraud Action UK.
The fraudulent texts encourage people to visit a website or call a number, often claiming the matter is urgent. However the website or telephone number is actually controlled by the fraudster, enabling them to steal security details which can be used to access the victim’s bank account and take money. (more…)
Watch out, rogue traders about
Kent Trading Standards are warning residents to watch out for rogue traders claiming work needs doing to your home as a result of bad weather.
Rogues often claim that your roof tiles need replacing or that your chimney stack is unsafe.
Don’t wait for a rogue trader to knock at your door, contact Checkatrade
www.checkatrade.com/
for Kent County Council approved traders that you can trust. (more…)