Croft Baker

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methods used by courier fraudstersBank card expiry: Fraudsters claim to be from the victim’s bank and say their card is no longer valid.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. 

Dear Resident,Possession of weapons KnivesIt's illegal to:sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18 years oldcarry a knife in public without good reason - unless it’s a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, e.g. a Swiss Army knife (a "lock knife" does not come into the category of "folding pocket knife" because it is not immediately foldable at all times)carry, buy or sell any type of banned knifeuse any knife in a threatening way (including a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife) What's considered to be a 'good reason' to carry a knifeExamples of good reasons include:taking knives you use at work to and from worktaking knives to a gallery or museum to be exhibitedthe knife is going to be used for theatre, film, television, historical re-enactment or religious purposes, e.g. the kirpan some Sikhs carryIf you're charged with carrying a knife illegally, a court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry it. Banned knivesExamples of knives that are completely banned are:disguised knifestealth knife & batonswordzombie knifeThis is not a complete list of banned knives and weapons. Contact your local police to check if a knife or weapon is illegal. Guns and firearmsYou need a firearms certificate issued by the police to possess, buy or acquire a firearm or shotgun.You must also have a certificate to buy ammunition.It's illegal for anyone aged under 18 to purchase an imitation firearm and for anyone to sell an imitation firearm to someone aged under 18.Certain firearms are completely prohibited. You won’t be able to get a certificate for them and it is an offence to possess, buy or acquire them without the authority of the Home Secretary.It is an offence to be in possession of a firearm, a shotgun or dangerous air-weapon and certain ammunition without a certificate or to be in possession of a prohibited weapon. Carrying a weaponIf you're caught illegally carrying a knife or a gun, even an imitation one, you will be arrested and prosecuted. It's no excuse to say it was for your own protection or you were carrying it for someone else.Remember - the law is clear - if you choose to carry a weapon, you put your future in danger. If you don't take it with you, it won't be used. Learn more by visiting Knife Free .Play your part in reducing knife and gun crime by reporting people you know or suspect may be carrying a weapon illegally.Call your local police on 101, or dial 999 if a crime is in progress or a life is in danger.If you can't talk to police, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or using their online reporting form and give information about crime anonymously. #NPCC Firearm and Knife surrenders #OpAztec#OpSceptre Kind Regards DaveCleethorpes Policing Team

Humberside Police are supporting national Firearms and knife surrender between 12-29th May.  You can hand in firearms and weapons at Police stations as part of this. #Op Sceptre Weapons handed in will be made safe and destroyed. Regards PCSO KerryHamilton Street PS.

Good morning,The last few years has certainly been a challenging time for everyone, and also with everything else that is going on in the world right now. All of this no doubt has affected our mental health in some way.  It is crucially important to reach out to your family, a friend or a mental health agency if you are struggling. It's okay not to be okay. Below are some websites:www.mind.org.uk/https://www.navigocare.co.uk/https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/https://www.samaritans.org/For those that are parents or guardians of children, below are some mental health agencies that specifically deal with young people. Mental health affects everyone, not just adults. www.compass-uk.org/services/north-east-lincolnshire-mhst/https://www.youngminds.org.uk/https://diana-award.org.uk/news/anti-bullying/diana-award-crisis-messenger/The Diana Award Crisis Messenger is something I have not personally heard of before, and I think it is vital for everyone to know what services are out there to help us through life, because sometimes its tough but if you are struggling, you are not alone there are charities and agencies out there to help. If you had a problem with your heart, you'd go see a Dr or speak to someone, why should your mental health be different 

Police Surgeries May 2022 for Croft Baker Ward are as following..14/05/22 Blighty's Cafe, Knoll Street 1100-1200 hours20/05/22 St Peters Church Hall, St Peters Avenue, 1000-1100 hours20/05/22 Outside Boots, St Peters Avenue, 1300-1500 hours

We are getting reports of youths setting fires, gathering, drinking alcohol on the back of the old Trinity Fields, Trinity Road, Cleethorpes. If anyone knows any further information, please contact Humberside Police on 101 or visit your local police station on Knoll Street. Thankyou.