Category: News

 

Message from PSCO O’Brien

We have recently noticed an increase in opportunist thefts from motor vehicles across the Pinner area. Due to the recent hot weather, we would like to remind you to take extra precaution when leaving your vehicle/s parked either at home or in a public place.

We encourage you to check that unattended vehicles are locked and secure and to make sure that no items are left on display. This extends to the more mundane items such as sunglasses, items of clothing and documentation.

If you are employing a builder, gardener or other labourer, please advise them to always lock their work vehicle/s whenever they are left unattended.

Vehicle registration plates may also be removed from your vehicle, likely to be transferred to another vehicle for unscrupulous behaviour such as to commit crime or avoid congestion charges. You may wish to consider exploring options to secure your own number plate, such as making a small purchase to secure a ‘number plate security kit’. Kits are available online or from  more local retailers.

Alternatively, visit Pinner Police Station to obtain FREE anti-theft registration plate screws.

Here is a summary of some of the scams currently doing the rounds:

 

You owe tax: A person calls you from a ‘spoofed’ number – the number displayed is a legitimate HMRC phone number. The call often starts with a recorded message saying that a warrant has been issued for your arrest if you do not pay outstanding tax. An option to speak to someone is given. They will ask you to visit a local shop or Post Office to buy vouchers for iTunes or Google Play or similar. The person then asks for the code on the voucher and tells you that you have now paid the tax and the warrant will be cancelled. This is a scam. HMRC would never call you if you owe tax and would never ask you to buy gift vouchers from a shop.

BT telephone line problems: Many people have received calls from people claiming to be “BT” saying that there is a fault on their telephone line or a problem with their internet. This is the start of a scam. BT would not phone you about your line, they would wait for you to report any issues to them.  Please do not give ANY personal details to these callers and simply terminate the call. If they call back, just end the call again.

Police fraud investigation: You are called by someone claiming to be a police officer who is investigating a fraud involving your account. They either ask you to move your money from your bank account or they ask you to assist an investigation by purchasing an expensive item. This is a scam. A police officer would never tell you to move or spend your money. If you think there is a problem with your bank account, it is best to visit your bank or call them on their published number.

These scam calls can be reported directly to Action Fraud – www.actionfraud.police.uk or 03001 232 040 – please note any phone numbers the scammers ask you to call, as this may assist an investigation.

If you do become a victim and a caller arranges to attend your address to collect vouchers or cash, please call police on 101, or 999 if the crime is in progress.