Category: Policing

This has come from the MP of Harrow East.

Experts have revealed a rise in scams of QR code since self-ordering in restaurant became the norm during the pandemic.
 
People may think they are ordering a round of drinks/food but could actually be giving away their debit card information to fraudsters.
 
According to NordVPN around 77% of Brits use QR codes – but 72% do not check before scanning them. The security giant reported that over 3 million people have been directed to untrustworthy websites after using the QR code.
 
Worryingly, 1 in 6 (16%) fell prey to fraudsters and had their data stolen.
 
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe from scams:

1. When you do scan a QR code, take a good look at the website it led you to being particularly vigilant for any suspicious information.
2. Use a secure scanner app which is designed to spot malicious links before your phone opens them. It is recommended to stick to the well-known security companies. Malicious QR scanning apps designed to scrape user information have made it into the app stores in the past.
3. Use a password manager. As with all kinds of phishing, if a QR code takes you to an especially convincing fake website, use a password manager, however this is also not a fault proof system.

Dear Watch Member,

Transport for London (TfL) have informed us they will be carrying out a survey in and around the London area.

The attached documents provide more information regarding this survey, and an example of the interviewer’s ID card that you should request to see if it’s not initially proffered to you.

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.

• TfL Demand Survey (46 KB)
• Interviewer Identity Card (34 KB)

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

Regards,
Lee O’Brien
Pinner Safer Neighbourhood Team

Dear Watch Member,

Harrow Police have just relaunched their Facebook page, where along with their Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, you can keep informed about the activities and operations officers are conducting across Harrow in their efforts to make the borough a safer place.

Please do follow them on any (or all) of these social media platforms, especially if you are part of a community group they can help to promote.

At a more local level, if you use X, you can follow us at @MPSPinner and / or @MPSPinnerSouth respectively.

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]

Dear Watch Member,

This year hasn’t brought us the best weather so far. So you can’t be blamed for wanting to escape to somewhere warmer. And finding a bargain makes booking a holiday even sweeter.

Unfortunately, criminals want to sell you fake holidays. They’ll use genuine selling sites and social media to advertise. They create fake ads to trick you into sharing your details or sending money. From a caravan on the coast, to an all-inclusive trip abroad, they’ll try to trick you no matter where you want to go. But you can make a few checks to reduce your risk of getting scammed.

• Carry out thorough checks before you pay. Look at reviews online. Research any privately advertised holidays carefully. Check that any travel agents or tour operators you’re dealing with belong to a reputable trade association.

• Is there an alternative payment method? Where you can, pay using a debit or credit card. This could offer more protection if you need to dispute the goods or services.

• Consider if you’re willing to take the risk. If you can’t be sure it’s genuine, think about whether you can afford to lose the money.

For straightforward impartial advice to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud, please visit the Take Five 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]
Tel: 020 8721 2775

Dear Watch Member,

Housing Repairs Phone Scam

Please be aware of any phone calls you receive from telephone number 020 3991 0438.

The caller purports to be from Harrow Council’s Housing Repairs department.

However, research conducted via the who-called.co.uk website shows this phone number is associated with a housing repairs scam targeting people in the London, South East and North West regions of the country.

You can report suspicious calls or texts by forwarding them to 7726.

For more information about different types of scams as well as where you can get help and report a scam, please read the attached Little Book of Big Scams.

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.

• The Little Book of Big Scams – 5th Edition (3929 KB)

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

Dear Watch Member,

This week is County Lines Intensification Week, so to create awareness of what the term ‘County Lines’ means, Pinner SNT and Pinner South SNT officers have respectively delivered leaflets about the organised criminal activity to almost 500 households in Pinner.

Although the majority of leaflets were delivered to homes located on estates, County Lines and the often associated practice of ‘cuckooing’ can happen anywhere, and often where a vulnerable person resides.

By clicking on the link below to inform yourself of what the signs of involvement in County Lines and ‘cuckooing’ are, you can help protect vulnerable people and keep your community safe:

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/community-family/county-lines

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]

Dear Watch Member,

This Friday, 16th February, in partnership with Harrow Litter Pickers and staff of Sainsbury’s, Pinner, we will be conducting a litter-pick and Violence Against Women and Girls Walk and Talk in Sainsbury’s car park.  1pm to 2:30pm.

This is a location where women tell us they feel anxious and unsafe, partly because of the car park’s neglected appearance.

Aside from the environmental, physical and mental health benefits of litter-picking, an event like this is a great opportunity to meet new like-minded people who share a passion for making Pinner and Harrow a cleaner and safer place for everyone.

If you want to participate, meet us outside the entrance of Sainsbury’s, or find us in the car park itself from 1pm onwards.

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.

• Sainsbury’s Walk & Talk Litter Pick (676 KB)

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 27

Dear Watch Member,
Parcel theft is an everyday, all year-round crime that often goes unreported.

In the lead-up to Christmas, parcels may contain more expensive items than usual.

Which is great news for the opportunist thief who sees an uncollected delivery on a doorstep whilst walking down the street.

Or the thief that follows a delivery van and watches where the delivery is left before purloining it for themselves.

Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of your parcel being stolen:

• track your parcel to ensure you or someone else is at home for the delivery
• install a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full CCTV system
• install a security light
• arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, or other family members who will be at home; if you live in a flat, is there a concierge who could accept the parcel for you?
• use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries, or for expensive items; these parcel boxes are more likely to be in busy, safer locations – such as supermarkets – rather than secluded areas which could be targeted by thieves

Remember, this crime prevention advice is for life, not just for Christmas.
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

Dear Resident,

The Metropolitan Police Service has again partnered with the Childhood Trust to raise money to provide toys and gifts for children living in poverty in London. Last year we were able to raise over £87,000 through small and large contributions from the public, and are looking to match that this year, with your help!

Many thanks to those who have already supported this Met Christmas tree appeal already, and for those who would like to get involved please find attached a note that goes to highlight how contributions can be made.

The document also explains about the charity we are working with.

This year the MPS has struggled to gain significant corporate sponsorship and we are getting close to the point where some difficult decisions may have to be made, if we don’t raise enough in donations. we really want every child to wake up on Christmas morning in London with a present, as no child should have to wake up feeling uncared for due to poverty or vulnerability on this day.

Any donations given are very much appreciated. Merry Christmas, and happy holidays!

Christmas Tree Appeal Dec23

Kind regards,