Crosby and Park

Pcso Howie will be conducting a Q & A session on Monday 30/05/22 between 1800-1900hrs via My Community Alert.  Please feel free to contact me on here with any issues/concerns you may have. Thanks 

On Thursday 30/05/22 between 1800-1900hrs, Pcso Howie will be conducting a Q & A Session via My Community Alert.  Feel free to make contact on here with any issues/concerns you may have. Thank you 

Today has been a busy day in Scunthorpe with Miss use Drugs Warrants being carried out in the Town,Crosby and Froddingham Wards and several arrest's for Possession with intent to supply.And Op Forager taking place as part of our commitment to making Scunthorpe a safer place to live. If you have any information relating to this please contact us on 101 or report to crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.#yousaidwedid.

During the early hours of this morning, officers have located a cannabis grow at a property on Avenue Vivian. Four males have been arrested for cannabis cultivation and remain in custody. Log 56 18/05/22 refers.

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. 

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 and supports the work Humberside Police carries out all year round to ensure residents are safe from knife crime in their communities.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 Crime Stoppers, 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 Crime Stoppers, 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