Dear Residents

We hope you are all well and enjoying the Autumn weather.

We would like to make you aware that we have had an increase in scams reported to us.

These have included cheque and money transfer fraud. We had a report that building work was completed on an address in Aldershot. The male suspect received a cheque for payment for work completed. However he returned to the address stating that the cheque did not have the correct name on it. He asked for another cheque to be written out but in someone else’s name which was given. The victim then noticed that both cheques were cashed.

We have also had reports whereby people have sold items either on social media or other platforms. When receiving payment they show the victim that the bank transfer has not gone through, prompting them to re send the payment. Again the victims, sometime later see that the payment has come out twice.

Please can we remind you especially as it is coming up to Christmas to be careful when buying items from people. 

Please be aware of doorstep crime. Criminals may call at your home unannounced, often claiming to be from utility companies or claiming to be working in your area and have noticed you have a problem with your house that needs fixing. They may offer to do work for you or say they need to check something in your home so will ask to come in and look around.

These types of criminals are convincing and seem plausible and they target people in their own homes. Hampshire and the Isle of Wight constabulary works closely with Trading Standards to tackle these offenders.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS ADVICE TO ENSURE YOU STAY SAFE

• Don’t open the door to someone you don’t recognise or are not expecting. 

• If you do feel you need to answer your door, remember to: 

• Lock the back door before you open the front door – doorstep criminals often work in pairs with one person distracting you at the front door while an accomplice enters your home through the back door. 

• Put the door chain or door bar on before opening the door – see who it is before you fully open your door. 

• Ask to see the caller’s identification – a genuine caller will not mind showing you their I.D. 

• Close and lock your door and call the number of the company they claim to be from to check if they have sent someone to your home. Remember to use a number from a bill or the telephone book so you know it’s a genuine one.

Please remember, even if the caller is genuine you do not need to allow them into your home. Ask them to arrange a future appointment that way you can arrange for a friend or family member to be present.

If a suspicious caller knocks at your door please do not hesitate to call 999

The PCSO’S in the Neighbourhood Policing Team are going to be conducting several community events in the run up to Christmas.

These are including keep safe talks and crime prevention stalls. 

Please do let us know if you attend any social groups that would benefit from us popping along to talk about scams and how to keep safe.

If you see anything suspicious please report any information to us by calling 101 or you can report on line Home | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Stay safe everyone

NPT