Category: Policing

Dear Watch Member,

Catalytic converter theft is part of a national crimewave currently sweeping the country. Although some arrests were recently made – as detailed in this link (https://news.met.police.uk/news/police-operation-to-stop-thefts-of-catalytic-converters-423914) – offenders are still targeting parked cars in the street and it is hard to pinpoint where they will strike. We do know that some preferred model of vehicles targeted are Honda, Toyota and Lexus.

Why is there a sudden increase in this type of theft? Metal theft has been an issue in the past and the introduction of scrap metal licenses in 2013 did appear to significantly reduce crime. The value of precious metals contained inside a catalytic converter has risen dramatically. It is suspected that stolen catalytic converters are being sold on the black market.

The actual thefts can take as little as two minutes to execute, quite often involving someone with a hydraulic trolley jack. If you are not sure what these look like they are what the mechanics use in the pit lanes of a grand prix race to raise the car. The offender will then climb underneath the car to use a cordless electric saw or angle grinder to cut through the exhaust to retrieve the catalytic converter, which is why some residents have reported hearing a loud noise or drilling. Anyone seen jacking up a car in the street like this should be reported to police straight away.

An anti-theft stainless steel plate can be fitted to the underneath of your car to protect the catalytic converter. It is worth contacting your dealer for a quote. We can recommend CATLOC from ‘Secured by Design’ which is an official police security initiative. Please click on the below link for further information.

https://www.securedbydesign.com/member-companies/accredited-product-search?view&

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,

Trading Standards have issued a warning, after receiving reports from victims who claim to have been contacted by someone purporting to be from the authority, and acting on behalf of the Office of National Statistics.

The caller suggested that the individual’s Census form was completed incorrectly, and they had to pay a fine. The caller asked for basic identification details, which they said was to confirm the Census record, and the individual’s bank details, so they could process the fine.

The Office of National Statistics are aware of similar scams in other parts of the country where money has been taken from an individual’s bank account. The Office of National Statistics have warned that they would never ask for this type of personal information.

You will only be contacted about the Census by letter – never by text or phone.

When filling in the Census you will be asked for personal information such as your date of birth, your occupation and where you live. You will never be asked to provide your national insurance number or financial details.

If you wish to report attempted scams go to www.actionfraud.police.uk 

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,

We periodically receive reports of trap devices being found attached to ATMs in Pinner, so it’s always important to remain vigilant when using ATMs here or anywhere else.

ATM cash trapping is a prominent method used by cyber criminals to attack an ATM.

The criminals physically insert a device inside the ATM which traps cash that is allotted by the cash dispenser to the customers.

A fake ATM cash dispenser is placed in the front of the real cash dispenser to trap the money. The money is dispensed from the machine, but the customer doesn’t see it. It is placed in the machine for around an hour before being removed by the offender, full of cash.

The image below is an example picture of the device on the cash dispenser.

Advice would be that should anyone see this device on an ATM, to not use the machine, inform the bank and ring the Police on the non-emergency 101 number.

An image has been included below to accompany this message. If you can’t see it you may need to select “display images”. Alternatively check if it’s a separate attachment.

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,

Please be aware that pickpockets and opportunist thieves are operating in local supermarkets.

Victims have reported having their handbag or its contents stolen from an unattended shopping trolley. In some cases a wallet / purse or mobile phone has been taken from the outer pocket of a coat, handbag or backpack.

• Please be aware of who is around you;
• Never leave your handbag unattended, even for a moment;
• Never carry large quantities of cash;
• Keep house keys and anything with your address on separate from each other.

Please click here for more theft from person prevention advice.

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,

Please be aware of the below telephone scam currently in circulation:

“This is the National Crime Agency. We need to let you know your National Insurance number is being used for a number of frauds and we will be blocking it. You need to speak to an officer from the National Crime Agency now by pushing one (1) on your key pad.”

Please report anything suspicious to Action Fraud on the link below.

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.

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,

Please read the attached document warning about COVID-19 vaccine scam emails currently in circulation.

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.

• COVID-19 Vaccine Scam Emails (193 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]

Dear Watch Member,

On Monday 18th January, between 5pm – 6pm, a series of four linked burglaries were committed; two attempted burglaries in Cannonbury Avenue and one burglary in East Towers and West Towers respectively.

Numerous burglaries involving the same modus operandi have recently occurred across the Hillingdon area.

The lone suspect uses a ladder, bin or drainpipe to access flat roofs before gaining entry to properties via a first-floor window.

Valuables such as jewellery and expensive designer items are typically stolen.

It is important to prevent access to your garden from every side, and ensure that ladders, bins and other items are secured away from your property, so they cannot be used to climb on.

Consider affixing perimeter edging or carpet gripper to the edge of flat surfaces, and apply anti-climb paint to drainpipes.

Ensure windows in unoccupied rooms are closed and locked, and do not leave valuables within sight or reach of windows and doors.

This link provides advice on further measures you can take to make your home safe.

You can also help build a safer street by encouraging your neighbours to sign up to OWL free at www.owl.co.uk.

Please remain vigilant and if you believe a crime is in progress, please call the emergency 999 number.

For matters that do not require immediate police attendance, please contact the non-emergency 101 number.

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,

Our colleagues from the NHS have issued the following advice relating to COVID vaccine scams.

Remember the NHS will NEVER ask for:

• Payment – all vaccines are FREE
• Your bank details
• Arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
• Ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents

COVID vaccine scam guidelines (647 KB)

Please share this information with your friends and neighbours, or encourage them to join OWL, so they can receive information like this straight to their inbox.

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,

Today, we have been alerted to a highly believable scam which starts with a text message and advises the user that they are eligible to apply for the vaccine and to click on the link in the message. The user is then led to a webpage, which looks very convincing and asks them to complete some details, in order for them to be able to apply for the vaccine.

The details asked for are:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Proof of address
• Card payment details

With the recent approval of multiple vaccines in the UK, these types of scam attempts are likely to continue, as fraudsters continue to take advantage of the rollout to primarily vulnerable people.

Please read the article on the below website:

https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news/fake-text-identifying-you-eligible-covid-19-vaccine

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,

There are many creative, unconventional ways in which you can deter, delay and detect burglars. You only have to watch classic 90s Christmas comedy Home Alone to see how an eight-year-old boy single-handedly protected his family home.

Whilst marbles and paint pots may be somewhat effective, please find attached twelve common ways to protect your home over the Christmas / New Year festive period.

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.

• Twelve Christmas Burglary Prevention Tips (146 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]