Burton upon Stather and Winterton

Courier fraud occurs when people hand over money or valuables to criminals posing as couriers.Using a variety of different tactics, criminals will call the victim and convince them into withdrawing a sum of money and handing it over to a ‘courier’ who is sent to their home.The victim may also be convinced into handing over their bank cards, PINs, as well as high-value items such as jewellery, watches and gold.Typically, courier fraudsters target victims by claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from a victim’s bank. They often pressure people into making quick financial decisions to assist with fictitious investigations.National figures show that, last year alone, more than 3,500 people were victims of courier fraud, with losses totalling more than £15.2 million.Whilst reports of courier fraud in Humberside are amongst the lowest in the country (8 reports, losses of £2,000 in 2021), they do happen – and have occurred recently.During this incident, a person was phoned by someone who claimed that their bank details were compromised and must immediately contact Scotland Yard. The victim hung up, but the caller was able to remain on the line. The victim called 999 and spoke to someone (the caller again) who directed them to withdraw a significant sum from their bank. They were informed that a courier would arrive to pick it up.Thankfully, in this situation, we managed to stop the scam.This is just one method courier fraudsters employ to scam people out of their money. An analysis of data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has highlighted four other modus operandi (MOs) which are now more commonly being used by fraudsters.Other methods used by courier fraudstersBank card expiry: Fraudsters claim to be from the victim’s bank and say their card is no longer valid. They ask for the PIN and then send a “courier” to collect the card before using it for fraudulent purposes.Purchasing high-end items: The suspects pretend to be police officers and ask the victim to help with an undercover operation by purchasing expensive items like watches, jewellery and gold. Once the item is bought, the victim will hand over the item to the criminal.Counterfeit cash/bank investigation: A person claiming to be a police officer or banking official informs the victim that they need to help with a banking corruption investigation. The victim is told to withdraw a large amount of money and the cash is picked up later by a courier to “check for fingerprints” or to “identify counterfeit bank notes”.Computer takeover: The fraudster telephones the victim, purporting to be from their internet service provider, saying that they have had an issue with their internet connectivity and are due compensation. The victim is persuaded to download a remote access application, giving the suspects access to their home computers. The fraudster persuades the victims into thinking that they have been paid too much compensation and the victims then withdraw cash to pay the money back, which is later collected by a courier.Signs of courier fraudCourier fraud usually starts with an unsolicited telephone call to the victim.Typically, the suspect will pose as a bank official, police officer or a computer or utility engineer.Courier fraudsters will usually request the victim purchases high-value items such as Rolex watches and gold bullion, withdraws cash or provides a bank card for collection from a courier.Fraudsters will instruct victims not to tell any family or friends about what they are doing.When carrying out courier fraud, criminals will request the victim hangs up the phone to ring their bank for confirmation while keeping the line open. The suspect then purports to be bank official and provides false confirmation.Fraudsters will also arrange for a courier to meet the victim to collect the item they have purchased.How to protect against courier fraudDetective Inspector Ben Robinson, of our Economic Crime Unit, said: “People targeted by courier fraudsters can be from any demographic, but typically prey on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Victims typically tend to be aged between 70 and 89. “If you are in a caring or supportive role to people of these ages, I would urge you to start conversations about suspect schemes and the warning signs to look out regarding courier fraud. Often, just making someone aware of these can be enough help someone avoid falling victim to these callous individuals.”It is worth noting that:The police or your bank will never call you to ask you to verify your personal details or PIN.If you get a call asking you to do this, hang up, wait a few minutes and call your bank on a number you know to be genuine, such as the one on the back of your card. If you can, try to use a different phone than the one you were originally contacted on.The police or your bank will never send a courier to your home to collect your cash, bank cards, PINs or any other valuables. Any requests to do so are part of a scam.The police will never contact you out of the blue and ask you to participate in an investigation that requires you to withdraw money from your bank, or to purchase high-value goods, such as jewellery or gold.If you are contacted by someone you do not know, or cannot verify the identity of, follow the Take Five to Stop Fraud advice:Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online by clicking here or by calling 0300 123 2040.Alternatively, you can call our non-emergency number 101 to report information.Or, if you have information regarding those responsible for fraud, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Good afternoon.'Operation Sceptre' is running this week, aimed at reducing knife and weapon-related crimes.From Monday 16 May until Sunday 22 May 2022, Barton Police Station will have a 'Knife Surrender Bin' where members of the public can dispose of any dangerous or unwanted knives and weapons.A poster relating to Operation Sceptre is attached providing further details.Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns, or would simply like to speak with your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, please feel free to visit Barton Police Station for a chat.Thank you, PC Chris HOWSON, PCSO James GRAYSON & PCSO Tracy DYAS.

Please find attached a document relating to Operation Sceptre.

Tackling Knife CrimeWhile knife crime remains low in the Humberside Force area in comparison to other parts of the country, we are committed to doing everything we can to tackle this serious crime.  Operation Sceptre is a national intensification campaign by police forces aimed at reducing knife crime by targeting those carrying weapons and disrupting the supply of knives available to use. It takes place twice a year - in May and November – and supports the work Humberside Police carries out all year round to ensure residents are safe from knife crime in their communities.Our officers undertake a range of activities including targeted operations, engagement and education to reassure young people they are safer not carrying knives.  Following new legislation, brought in on the 14 July 2021, it is also now illegal to own certain items including knuckle dusters, zombie knives and throwing stars – even within a private dwelling.Our message to those who carry a knife, or who are thinking of carrying one, is that carrying a knife does not protect you. It only adds to your vulnerability, placing you in dangerous situations, and serious harm, not to mention the legal consequences of being found in possession of one. Knives destroy lives, affecting you, and the people around you.    Enforcement alone will not tackle the root causes of why people become involved in knife crime. We collaborate with partners including councils, schools, colleges, youth agencies, businesses such as clubs and bars, and Crimestoppers, to help keep our communities safe. Knife Surrender BinsWe are encouraging members of the public during Op Sceptre week (16th May to 22nd May) to drop off their dangerous or unwanted knives and weapons at our police stations in knife surrender bins, across the force area.These knife surrender bins are in place at:BartonBeverleyBridlingtonClough Road, HullGooleGrimsbyOsborne Street, HullPocklingtonScunthorpe Help and AdviceAnyone who is worried about someone or is looking for support themselves can visit knifefree.co.uk for advice. If you feel threatened, unsafe or scared about becoming a victim of knife crime consider: You are more likely to come to harm if you carry a knifeWalking away from threats of violencePassing anonymous information to FearlessTalk to Childline for help on 0800 11 11 or go online at childline.org.ukContact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.orgCalling 101 to speak to an officer for advice. In an emergency always call 999. Parents and CarersSome young people carry a knife because they are worried about becoming a victim of knife crime. Unfortunately, carrying a knife only increases their chance of becoming hurt. The easiest and most common place for young people to get a knife is from the family home. If you think something isn’t quite right then consider other less obvious warning signs, including: They have become withdrawnTheir school or college is reporting worrying changes in their behaviour, or their grades have suddenly droppedThey have lost interest in hobbies and are vague about their movementsThey have changed their group of friends, perhaps to an older networkThey are suddenly secretive about their belongingsThere are other reasons why young people exhibit these behaviours. It might not be knife related but if you spot any of the above, talk to them. Discuss their views on knife crime, and whether they would ever consider carrying a knife. Discover if they feel safe when they go out, and if not, why not? Find the ideal time and location to talk to them about knife crime. Provide them with reassurance, and be patient. Remind them they do have choices, and that you are there to support them. Try to cover: carrying a knife makes you more likely to get harmed.the facts – the police can stop and search anyone they suspect to be carrying a knife.the law – it is illegal to try and buy a knife under the age of 18, and the maximum penalty for carrying a knife is 4 years in prison and an unlimited fine. An automatic prison sentence is handed to anyone convicted twice of carrying a knife.the consequences – a criminal record can change your life – you may not be offered a college or university place.  Getting a job will be made more difficult and it can even disrupt travel to some countries.The safest thing to do if threatened by a knife is to walk away. For further advice and information, visit Knifefree.co.uk   

Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow these simple rules to protect your car. 1. Lock your vehicleLocking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.It is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended while you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather. If someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked. 2. Keep the keys safeVehicles today are by and large more difficult to steal than ever, unless the thief can access your key or fob to clone them. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home, and away from your front door. It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick and hook through the letterbox.Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal.How to protect your keyless entry car·  When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.·  Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.·  Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.·  Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used. 3. Be aware of carjackersThe fact that you’re in the car isn’t always a deterrent to someone trying to steal it.In traffic, drive with the doors locked and when queuing leave enough space in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people. After all, you don’t know the person who has collided with you; they could well be hijackers. If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police.If someone threatens you, it’s better to hand over the keys to the vehicle than become a victim of assault. Then call 999 as soon as possible, and ask for the police.If your car is stolen, some modern vehicle alarm and tracker systems have the facility to isolate or shut down fuel systems, bringing the vehicle to a halt and leaving the thief high and dry. 4. Park responsiblyIt’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.And if possible, always try to park in illuminated and staffed car parks or those with a Park Mark safer parking award. To find one, simply check out Park Mark. 5. Watch for illegal tow trucksThieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally. So, if you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously – especially if their vehicle isn’t branded or if they’re not in uniform – then please report it immediately.As with every report of suspicious behaviour made in good faith, we’ll never blame anyone for calling us if it proves unfounded.Car parks with height-restricted entrances help prevent illegal tow trucks and removal vehicles. And fitting a Thatcham rated category 1 or 2 alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle. 6. Fit good in-car security locksBear in mind that built-in steering locks aren’t necessarily thief-proof. Many can be forced and broken. Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection.  7. Double-check electronic lockingElectronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle. Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.If unsure, lock it manually, then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around. If a potential thief who’s watching feels they’ve been spotted, they’ll probably move off.  

Dear {FULL_NAME}, There has been a report of possible rogue trading in the Broughton area.The company involved is a offering home security and is from the Nottingham area, they have attended the address of an elderly gentleman and convinced him in spending £3500 on a new security system.Luckily a family member intervened and was present when the company re-attended at the property. Can you please check with family and friends in the area to ensure nobody has been taken advantage of?Please share this message to alert as many people as possible. If anyone has been a victim of rogue trading, then please inform Police via 101 or report the incident to Trading standards.If you would prefer not to call the police, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or using their online reporting form and give information about crime anonymously. Regards,Brigg NPT