Crime Prevention Bulletin May

Dear Resident 

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Online Shopping Scam

We have received several reports from residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have lost money due to fraudulent orders placed via their online shopping accounts.  Criminals take over a victim’s account and place large orders using the victim’s stored card details.  

Fortunately, many retailers send alerts when orders are placed so some residents have been able to act quickly to prevent losses – but not all. For further advice about shopping safely online, visit: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely

Prevention Advice:

Use strong passwords           

Do not use the same passwords for different accounts

Change passwords regularly 

Do not store payment details on online shopping accounts

Update from the Roads Policing Unit

Nobody can predict what can happen on the road. You may be involved in a collision through absolutely no fault of your own, which is why you should always wear a seatbelt at all times. It could be the difference between a minor injury and you or a loved one suffering life-changing trauma... or even worse.

Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the #FatalFive biggest contributing factors of deaths on the road. Our officers have attended far too many awful scenes where the outcome might have been different if the driver or passenger had just taken this simple precaution. This is why we take it so seriously.

This image was taken by one of our safety camera vans - which can also help us identify these offences as well as speeding. This is another example of how these cameras are being used to save lives on your roads. Last month our teams dealt with 325 people who were caught not wearing a seatbelt - which can result in a £500 fine. 

Please speak to your friends and loved ones if you know they don't always wear a seatbelt. You might help save their life.

New Childline Posters

NSPCC Learning has published a new series of Childline posters to encourage children to use Childline if they need support.: Childline posters | NSPCC Learning

Stalking Awareness

Stalking is not romantic behaviour. It’s a pattern of unwanted and repeated contact that causes someone to feel scared, distressed or unsafe. If someone’s behaviour is: fixated, obsessed, unwanted, repeated …it is stalking.

You don’t have to be threatened with violence for it to be taken seriously. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. 

Support is available and you don’t have to go through it alone. You can report it by calling 101 or on our website. Always call 999 in an emergency. For further information visit: Stalking: Think FOUR | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Know Your (Cashpoint) Limits 

Did you know some banks/building societies have their daily withdraw limit set at £1000 per day? We regularly receive reports from residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who have been distracted in some way whilst withdrawing cash, their card stolen, and used to withdraw up to their daily limit before they get the chance to cancel their card.

Most banks/building societies are happy for you to set a lower daily limit on daily cash withdrawals to minimise losses in the event your card is stolen.  If you don’t use online banking, contact your bank using the number on the back of your card to discuss a suitable daily limit that meets your needs. 

If you realise you’ve been defrauded and wish to report a fraud that has already happened, please report it to Report Fraud either by phone 0300 123 2040 or online at: https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/