Surrey Police: Latest Alerts

The latest alerts from Surrey Police comes courtesy of Andy Reid (InTheKnow.Community Administrator, Mole Valley)

1) Ref: 45170106273
Location: Leatherhead
Date and Time: 22/09/2017

Details: OAP has been charged extortionate sum for some minor gardening work.

Remember these three pointers.

1. Say NO to doorstep callers.
3. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Unsolicited phone calls - it's not impolite, it's your right to hang up.
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business-and-consumers/trading-standards/finding-the-right-trader/rogue-traders-scams-and-cold-callers

2) Ref: 45170106731
Location: Dorking
Date and Time: 27/09/2017 17:00

Details: Suspicious call claiming to be from the DWP asking questions like “what is your national insurance number?” Thankfully as this point the phone was put down!

A multi-agency task force is warning savers to be vigilant of the threat that scammers pose to their pensions.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-warning-arm-yourself-with-the-facts-dont-lose-your-pension-to-scammers

3) Jewellery and gold: Warning

Surrey Police is advising residents to be aware of how they store high value jewellery and gold following a series of what are suspected to be targeted burglaries.

The burglaries, of which there have been 14, have taken place in Walton, Molesey, Ashford, Egham, Epsom, Tadworth and Banstead.

The offences involve either forced entry to properties when no one is at home or entry gained via force when an occupant answers the door.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Anna Moffat said: “These crimes have been terrifying for those involved as these offenders are brazen about what they do, and are willing to break into homes during daytime and evening hours using threats and violence to get what they want.

“We are working hard to stop this happening again and carrying out a number of enquiries, however we need the public’s help to find out further information.

“You are our eyes and ears on the ground, your support will greatly help to identify the suspects and bring those responsible to justice. Be aware of cars in your road that may not be owned by your neighbours or friends, this could be in particular Audis, or other high performance cars. Make a note of registration numbers and let us know.

“We also need people who have high value jewellery or gold to take sensible measures to store their items and to be cautious about displaying jewellery or gold too openly in public as this could be how the offenders know who to target.

“You can find out more information about burglary prevention advice at www.surrey.police.uk/burglary and follow our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SurreyPolice) and Twitter account (@SurreyPolice) for any further updates about the investigation.”

If you have any information call Surrey Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency, or use report.police.uk and quote the reference number 45170086989.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Prevention advice is available below but also via the document on this link.

• Keep all jewellery and other valuables in a bank safety deposit box.
• If you have to keep jewellery at home, invest in a home safe.
• Keep and inventory of your jewellery, either on paper or via a company such as www.imobilise.com; include identifying marks and the value.
• Photograph your jewellery against a plain background using a rule to give and idea of size
• Check your home insurance to ensure that it covers keeping high-value jewellery at home
• Install a house alarm and security lighting. Always make sure doors and windows are locked and secure when you go out.
• Make sure your home looks occupied when you are out or away. Use an automatic timer switch to turn interior lights on and off.
• Use forensic marking to uniquely mark your jewellery. Visit www.securedbydesign.com for more information.

4) Beware of Scammers!

There have been a variety of scams and attempted scams across the borough reported in the last few days. For example –
Telephone call purporting to be from “Sky” offering a discount to OAP’s and asking for bank details – scam!
Telephone call claiming to be from an investment company where really good returns have been offered – scam!
Another telephone call offering not only good returns on an investment opportunity but even better returns the more you invest –scam!
OAP paid for goods in full after a visit from a sales rep and has so far never seen the goods. Just been given a load of excuses – scam!
Telephone call from "BT Support Group" claiming unauthorised access to personal computer required access to check for fraudulent malware – scam!

Be suspicious of all 'Too good to be true' offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.
If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact ActionFraud on 0300 123 2040 or online aat www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Contact the police if the suspect is known or is still in the area.