Scammers Targeting Motorists in Pinner

Dear Watch Member,

Scammers are targeting motorists in Pinner.

They approach elderly motorists and convince them they must pay for parking or a fine by inserting a credit / debit card into a parking machine, some of which have a card-sized slot. After the motorist enters their PIN on the alphanumeric keypad, the scammers then use a distraction or sleight of hand technique to remove the card. They then tell the motorist the machine has retained the card, which is then used to swiftly make contactless payments and/or withdraw money from a nearby ATM.

One of the scammers was reported to be wearing a camera to give the appearance of being a genuine parking enforcement officer. Other scammers approach motorists about to use a parking machine, to offer their assistance, when their real purpose is to confuse the motorist and steal their card.

Although the method can change (such as using an ATM instead of a parking machine) the intended result is the same.

Please note that Harrow Council parking machines only allow two types of payment; either with coins or by calling paybyphone, using their website (www.paybyphone.co.uk) or smartphone app, and no genuine parking enforcement officer will ask you to pay a fine in the street.

If you fall victim to these scammers it’s important to cancel any stolen card(s) at the earliest opportunity, so ensure that your card issuer’s phone number, found on the reverse of your card, is in your mobile phone’s contact list.

Please share this message on WhatsApp groups and social media feeds, and speak to elderly family, friends and neighbours to help prevent them becoming victims of this crime.

 

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If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]

‘Amazon’ Test Club Scam Letters

Dear Watch Member,

You may receive in the post a letter claiming to be from Amazon. The letter invites you to join a “Test Club” where you are given the opportunity to test new Amazon products in exchange for free items and commission. You are asked to submit your details to register your interest in joining the test club.

Amazon have been contacted, and they have confirmed that they are not sending these letters, therefore this is likely to be a scam.

As always, please be suspicious of unexpected correspondence of any type, particularly if it asks you to provide your personal details.

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]

Nominations Open for Harrow’s Heroes Awards 2022

Harrow Council Logo Dear Watch Member,

Harrow Council’s community awards, Harrow’s Heroes returns again this September – and in person again following the coronavirus pandemic. The awards capture how great the borough is and nominations are open to everyone in the community who is or has made a significant difference to Harrow and its residents.

As you know, in Harrow, there are thousands of people who work behind the scenes to make it such a special place to live and work. Their huge contribution often goes without the recognition they truly deserve.

Each year the awards attract hundreds of moving and inspirational nominations, and this year will be no different – if not better! With your support Harrow Council can hear more about the fantastic work and achievements of both volunteers and members of the community.

Please help spread the word about these awards and submit your nominations for this year. Whether they be from a business or a community group, you may know an individual or team who has made a positive difference to the lives of others and their neighbourhood. We want to hear their stories and encourage you to nominate them for this year’s awards.

The deadline for nominations is Sunday 24th July 2022. Winners will be announced at a grand event in September where awards and certificates will be given.

Attached is a copy of the nomination form and further details are available on www.harrow.gov.uk/HarrowsHeroes. If you’re on social media please use the hashtag #HarrowsHeroes.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the awards, please email [email protected].

 

Download Associated Documents
Documents accompanying this message are linked below. Click to download and open a file which use the popular PDF format. If you experience problems downloading or viewing a file please visit this help page.

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 8721 2775

New 999 Service Launched for British Sign Language Users

Dear Watch Member,

British Sign Language (BSL) users can now communicate more easily with the emergency services following the launch of a new service this month.

999BSL is a free-to-use video relay service that can be accessed online or downloaded as an app. In an emergency, people who are deaf or hard of hearing can use 999BSL to connect with a BSL interpreter. The interpreter will then call 999 using a landline to relay the conversation to the emergency services operator.

To use the service:
• Open the 999 BSL app or website
• Press the red button to video call
• Communicate with the BSL interpreter

The Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP, Minister for Crime and Policing, said: “Calling 999 can literally be a matter of life and death, and everyone should have confidence that their local police force will be at the end of the phone, ready to jump to their aid.

Increasing accessibility of the 999 service to all members of the public is vital and will help to ensure our streets are safer for everyone.”

For more information visit the 999BSL website.

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team
Email: [email protected]

Volunteers Wanted!

Can you help?

We are hoping to be able to hold our annual “Concerts in The Park” this year.

The concerts are held in Pinner Memorial Park.

We need volunteers to help:-

  • Set up in the morning – this involves moving heavy equipment
  • Steward whilst the concerts are being held.
  • Pack away at the end of the day – this involves moving heavy equipment

If you would like to know more about the stewards role Steward’s Instructions 2022

The concerts may not take place if there are severe weather warnings.

Cuppa with a Copper at Costa Coffee Pinner Rd

Dear Watch Member,

Local Safer Neighbour Officers will be available on Monday 13th June 2022 between times 12.00 – 14.00hrs to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with a particular emphasis on the ongoing work to address violence against women and girls.

Please come for a chat if you have anything to discuss on this or other topics affecting you.

Meeting will be held in Costa Coffee at:

The Accounting House, Pinner Road, North Harrow, HA2 6DZ

 

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: [email protected]

Regards,
Kristina Dvorakova
PCSO
Email: [email protected]