East Marsh

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used by courier fraudstersBank card expiry: Fraudsters claim to be from the victim’s bank and say their card is no longer valid.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

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.

Humberside police are supporting national firearms and knife surrender, between 12-29 May. You can hand in weapons to police stations as part of this Op Sceptre Weapons handed in will be made safe and destroyed. Regards Hamilton Street NPT

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 

There has been an increase in the number of Burglaries in the East Marsh area recently.  In a lot of these incidents access has been gained to the property through an insecure window.  They are being committed through the day and night so we ask that you ensure that you keep your windows secure, using a locking latch if open.Remember to keep your own property secure to reduce the opportunity for thieves. Whenever possible lock your doors and windows in unoccupied rooms even if you are in the house. Please be reminded to lock your doors and to keep any security gates closed and locked at all times We also advise residents not to leave high value items on display as they may entice thieves. To assist us in identifying stolen property please consider property marking high value items using Smartwater or UV pens.  You are also advised to register property at www.immobilise.com which is a free on-line property register used by police forces nationwide to reunite stolen goods to their owners. All you have to do is register on-line and then upload properties electrical items serial numbers. Crime Prevention Advice –  1. Keep all the doors and windows locked. 2. Make your property appear occupied, even when you are out. You could use timers to turn on lights and have blinds set to prevent seeing inside, which may confirm a house is unoccupied. 3. If an offender approaches your house, make sure nothing blocks the view of them, such as garden hedges or trees and make sure the area is well lit so they are easily noticed. 4. Keep valuables in the home out of general view from the opportunist burglar. They may look through windows when deciding if the home contains property they consider worth stealing. Use blinds, nets or other window coverings to prevent this. 5. Fit a burglar alarm with visible, deterrent bell boxes front and rear and keep the system maintained.   Key Activities – 1. Mark your valuables and register them on www.Immobilise.com ​ ​ 2. Consider joining or forming a neighbourhood or business network/group. Offenders are less likely to cause crime in an area where people care.  3. Visit Humberside Police Crime Prevention advice for more information on how to keep yourself and your property safe. Click here to go to site. 4. If going on Holiday download the Secured by Design Holiday checklist.  Make a difference in your community – help us to help you! 

Dear residents,We are writing to local residents as part of increasing the amount of positive legal action taken against people who possess illegal drugs, sell drugs or grow their own at home. In order to help you make your community safer and drug free, we need your help in reporting such matters.Illegal drugs can come in many different forms and it can sometimes be difficult to know if someone is possesses them, selling them or growing/manufacturing them. Common signs that this may be happening include;What to Look out for – How to Spot a Cannabis FarmStrong Odours – Cannabis crops take time around 3 months to grow, odours can be potent in the final weeks.Covered Windows – Curtains always drawn up or windows covered/boarded up from the inside.Excessive Security Measures – Excessive security measures such as extra locks or grills on windows.Lots of Condensation – Cannabis plants need a greenhouse type environment to grow. Look out for condensation on windows, especially in the summer months.Lots of visitors – Frequent visitors at unsociable hours.Resident only visiting address twice weekly – Some cannabis growers are extremely organized and only tend to the plants a couple of time a week.Plant Growing Equipment – Look out for potential growers taking lots of equipment in and out of properties, such as soil/fertilizer also removing plant waste.Lots of cables and wiring – Cannabis farm set ups require lots of cables and wiring for all the equipment.Excessive electricity bills (for Landlords) – As much as some growers will bypass the electricity meter some will not and as a landlord if you start receiving large electricity bills or the bill suddenly drops could show the meter has been tampered with.Snow – Cannabis farms produce a lot of heat. Be aware of properties that have no snow on their roof after a flurry.Bright Lights Day and Night – Cannabis plants need light to grow, look out for properties with very bright lighting.Buzz of Ventilation – The constant noise of a fan could be a sign of the ventilation for a cannabis grow.Vulnerable Residents – Sometimes some groups will take advantage of vulnerable people including foreign national which may be victims of human trafficking or modern slavery.There are various ways to report suspected drugs possession, dealing and/or cultivation/production and any associated anti-social behaviour;Telephone Humberside Police on 101 (999 for emergencies) or Visit our website www.humberside.police.ukContact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 You can report matters ANONYMOUSLY if you prefer, we do not need to come to your home.If you, or anyone you know may benefit from support in reducing their illegal drug use or you are concerned about someone who may be using drugs you can contact the following agencies; We hope you find this letter informative. Most of the legal action that is taken by Humberside Police and is following information given to us by members of the public who are fed up with the issues of drugs and anti-social behaviour blighting their home life.Your continued support is appreciated and assists us in helping to make your community a safer, peaceful and enjoyable place to live. Thank you for helping us help youHumberside PolicePCSO KERRY