General Public Safety Information
BURGLARY … and how you can prevent it
The best way to reduce your chances of being burgled is to improve your home security. Most burglaries are ‘spur of the moment’, carried out by opportunistic thieves who take their chances through open doors, windows or any other easy point of entry.
- Keep valuables such as laptops, jewellery, money and keys out of sight. The burglar is then less likely to try and gain entry.
- Do not post information regarding holiday plans on social media as this leaves your property vulnerable while you are away.
- Ask a neighbour or friend you trust to keep an eye on your property in your absence. Something as simple as having a neighbour collect your post can help make your house less of a target.
- Burglars tend to avoid breaking into properties that have an alarm system in place. An alarm system is very useful in alerting other neighbours that an incident is occurring. CCTV assists the police in developing investigations further.
- Security lights at the front and the back of your property are essential. Timer switches for indoor lights to turn on/off when your house is vacant are also useful.
Distraction Burglaries
Most people who call at your home are genuine however some may turn up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home.
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SCAMS … and how you can prevent them
Current scams include identity fraud, courier fraud, holiday fraud, mass market fraud/ scam mail, investment scams, door-to-door scams, dating and romance scams, banking and payment card scams, mobile phone scams, ticketing scams, online shopping and auction fraud, internet scams
The Golden Rules
REMEMBER – IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS!
To stay on top of scams and keep up to date about crime prevention advice read ‘The Little Book of Big Scams’ by Thames Valley Police and visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk and www.getsafeonline.org
Do not be embarrassed - report a scam at www.actionfraud.org.uk or call 0300 123 2040, It will make it more difficult for them to deceive others!
Current scams include identity fraud, courier fraud, holiday fraud, mass market fraud/ scam mail, investment scams, door-to-door scams, dating and romance scams, banking and payment card scams, mobile phone scams, ticketing scams, online shopping and auction fraud, internet scams
The Golden Rules
- Be suspicious of any ‘too good to be true’ offers.
- Take your time to check – do not agree to any offers or deals immediately.
- Do not hand over money or sign anything until you have checked credentials.
- Never send money to anyone you do not know or trust or use methods of payment with which you are not comfortable.
- Never give banking or personal details to someone you do not know or trust.
- Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links provided in an email.
- Do not rely solely on glowing testimonials – find solid independent evidence.
- Always get independent/legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
- ALWAYS use strong passwords, ALWAYS use up-to-date Internet Security Software on all your devices when connected to the internet, ALWAYS install the latest operating system updates.
REMEMBER – IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS!
To stay on top of scams and keep up to date about crime prevention advice read ‘The Little Book of Big Scams’ by Thames Valley Police and visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk and www.getsafeonline.org
Do not be embarrassed - report a scam at www.actionfraud.org.uk or call 0300 123 2040, It will make it more difficult for them to deceive others!