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North Yorkshire Trading Standards have received the list of scams and frauds reported by residents to Action Fraud. There are a number of themes I wish to share with you. Residents are continuing to be called by someone claiming to be from Microsoft/BT stating there is a problem with your computer and asking the victim to download a piece of software called Teamviewer which allows the criminal to gain access to the victims computer. THIS IS A SCAM and victims have lost several thousand of pounds to these criminals. Another frequent scam is the caller claiming to be from HMRC claiming there is an outstanding bill and a court order has been obtained for payment and that unless the ‘victim’ pays immediately, bailiffs will be sent round. Again THIS IS A SCAM. Often the criminal will ask for payment in i-tune vouchers. Finally we are seeing an increase in reported ‘Romance Scams’ where victims are duped into sending money to someone they have met on the internet. Quite often the criminal will give some sob story about how a child is ill or they need money quick to persuade the victim to transfer thousands of pounds into a foreign account on the promise they will get the money back or that the person will come to the UK to marry the victim. In all these cases the advice is the same. If you are contacted by the telephone or on the internet and you have any doubt whatsoever, terminate the call. Please do not fall victim to thes fraudsters.
Do you own a bicycle? If so please use the following Cycle Passport to record unique details and a photograph. If it should ever get stolen just hand the passport to the Police, it will assist us in identifying and returning your bike to you.
https://northyorkshire.police.uk/content/uploads/2017/01/NYP17-0135-Leaflet-Cycle-Passport-Generic.pdf
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Teams within North Yorkshire Police would like to make parents aware of the following update that has released on snapchat.
If your children have the Snapchat app and GPS on their phone please take a look at this.
It seems with the new update there is a new feature on Snapchat. When you open the app place two fingers on the screen and drag them together ‘pinch’ just like when zooming out on an interactive map. This will then open the new feature. It shows your location with near exact accuracy and can be only a couple of meters wrong. This means people can see exactly where you are at any time.
To turn this off there is a settings button in the top right and can turn the feature to ghost mode. This will hide your location from others. Also turn off the phones GPS as an extra level of security.
If you need any help please contact your phone provider or visit an O2 store and speak to one of their gurus. This is a free service and regardless of the network you are on. The gurus can help with any technical questions and security advice.
Please remind your children to only have ‘friends’ on these apps who they actually know, this will keep them safer online.
While we have focused this on keeping children safe. Please be mindful features like this could be used by criminals, knowing when you’re out or even where you live. Always be mindful of posting pictures with cycles and such which would show people exactly where you store them. Then show when you are out.
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The following is a link to the Operation Spartan and Speed Concerns form where you can report poor driving, and us assist in making the roads safer. Please take the time to have a read. https://northyorkshire.police.uk/what-we-do/road-policing/operation-spartan/ |
During the warmer months, Police often see a rise in burglary as people are tempted to leave their leave home windows and doors open during the day and into the night. An open window or door is an invitation to thieves and can result in a lot of distress if belongings are stolen.· Keep the front and back doors locked and windows closed as much as possible, also on cars. · If windows are open, keep them on the latch so that they cannot be opened further from outside. ·Keep valuables and keys out of sight and well away from front or back doors where they may be easily reached. · Keep side gates locked. · Put away garden tools, ladders etc. after use so they cannot be used to gain access. · Use a strong lock on sheds, garages and other outbuildings and bolt hinges on for additional security. · Consider fitting outdoor security lighting. · Keep an eye on neighbouring properties. If you see anything suspicious contact police on 101. |
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HOW A SPRING CLEAN COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
It may be the last month of spring, but there’s still time to squeeze in a final spring clean. North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue are suggesting people clear clutter that may be blocking escape routes and to make sure their family, guests and loved ones know how to get out, stay out, and call 999 in the event of a fire.
Working smoke alarms are regularly the heroes in a fire, giving people the warning they need to get out of their home in a fire. But blocked exits, locked doors or unfamiliar surroundings can shave vital seconds from their escape time. .
We all know we need to take time to test our smoke alarms, but this week make time for your home and take some simple steps to help keep your loved ones safe:
1. Think about how you’d all get out in case of a fire, Making an escape plan and practising it will help ensure that everyone can get out, stay out and call 999
2. Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home so smoke can reach the alarms quicker giving you more warning time.
3. Test your smoke alarms monthly. Smoke alarms can save your life, but only if they work.
4. Clear your escape routes. Make sure you’re able to escape without tripping over to ensure a speedy exit
5. Keep your door and window keys in a known and accessible place. Make sure everyone knows where the door and window keys are kept so they can reach them easily and get out quicker in case of a fire.
Many of us care for others, children and loved ones. If this is you then consider the following:
How will they get out? Plan an escape route that works for them and think of any difficulties they may have or help they may need getting out. Would they benefit from a torch to light their way or a stair rail?
Where is the best place to go if the worst happens and they can’t escape? This is especially important if they have trouble moving around or can’t get downstairs on their own.
Who’s your ‘Escape champ’? Nominate someone in your home (perhaps a child) to be the ‘Escape champ’. Role-playing escape routes regularly and giving children the responsibility to keep escape routes clear makes fire safety more fun and engaging.
Just two to three breaths of toxic smoke could leave you unconscious, so every second counts when escaping a fire. Having working smoke alarms and knowing the escape plan in an emergency could make all the difference. If you have dependants or someone less able to care for, it could take more time to get out, stay out and call 999. Make sure you’re always prepared, your exits are clear and everyone knows what to do if the worst should happen.”
To find out more fire safety information or to book a free Home Fire Safety Check please visit www.northyorksfire.gov.uk or call 01609 788545