News, views and Events in and around Bigbury, South Devon

Posts tagged police

Cyber Resilience Centre Launches In Devon and Cornwall To Help Businesses

November 20, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Cyber Resilience Centre Launches in Devon & Cornwall to Help Businesses
Businesses in Devon and Cornwall can now sign up to be part of the new South West Cyber Resilience Centre (SWCRC), established to help businesses and charities better protect themselves against cybercrime.
The police led initiative, in partnership with the private sector and academia, is part of a network of centres being established across England and Wales to provide businesses with a free level of support, and an affordable way to access more bespoke cyber security services and consultancy.
The SWCRC offers a range of membership options depending on the level of support that businesses in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset need.
The Core Membership, which is specifically aimed at micro businesses and SMEs is free, and provides access to a range of resources and tools to help them identify their risks and vulnerabilities. The Core Membership comes with a welcome pack full of tools and tips as well as access to national cyber security guidance, and regular updates.
The SWCRC offers a range of paid membership options which also come with a choice of cyber security services including a half day staff awareness session and a regional quarterly briefing on current cyber threats in the region.
The centre is headed up by a Director who is also a Superintendent with the Devon & Cornwall police force. Mark Moore, who has taken on the Director role, has been in policing for over 25 years, where he has been responsible for managing police responses to high-risk and protracted incidents, latterly overseeing policing in the area of Exeter, East and Mid Devon. Mark has also worked as a consultant to police forces across the country, and managed the team which oversees initial response to every reported incident in the Devon and Cornwall force area.
Mark said: “I am enormously excited to have been asked to bring the SWCRC into being and lead on this innovative partnership aimed at tackling the huge threat that is cybercrime. We know that any system is only as strong as its weakest link, and that is why we want to help improve protection for networks and supply chains across the South West.”
“Cybercrime is a risk to all business, but with some simple changes, they can significantly reduce their chance of falling victim to it. It needn’t be scary, complex or unmanageable, and we are here to help people through.”
“The SWCRC brings together the expertise of law enforcement, private industry and academia, working together to deliver free and affordable services to help businesses mitigate their cyber security risks.”
“Our website is now live, so businesses and charities can find out more about how we can help them and sign up for one of our membership packages.”
The SWCRC has been funded by the National Police Chiefs’ Council Cyber Crime Programme which secured Government funding to establish a network of CRCs across England and Wales.
For more information about the SWCRC or to become a member go to the website https://www.swcrc.co.uk/membership and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep updated with the latest news.

Please note that this message was sent by Devon and Cornwall Police.

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RURAL CRIME

November 12, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

The Devon and Cornwall police rural affairs team have produced a calendar which highlights rural issues throughout the year to focus problem solving activity for police, partners and public with key messages and prevention activity.

Novembers theme is fuel and battery theft

Why is this important?
On farms, fuel and batteries are one of the most likely things to be targeted by criminals. Thefts often increase during the longer nights with the extended cover of darkness giving more opportunities. Unprotected tanks can be emptied in minutes using basic methods causing both financial and emotional impacts on farmers and businesses.

What do you need to do?
Reduce fuel theft with simple crime prevention measures. Working together, land owners, rural businesses and members of the public should be vigilant reporting any suspicious activity to the police – noting vehicle details, descriptions and an accurate location.

How can you prevent this?
-Landowners and managers, where possible, should secure gates and block unused entrances.

-Protect fuel and batteries with locks, lighting, CCTV and fencing.

-Store machinery, tanks and batteries out of sight where possible.

-Consider the use of signage or other means to prevent cold callers to farms and businesses.

-Notify the police using 999 if you suspect an offence is being committed.

-If you have any information please email 101@dc.police.uk, call the non-emergency number, 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 08007830137.

-Join Devon & Cornwall Alert, https://alerts.dc.police.uk/ Watch schemes and local social media groups so that you can find out what is happening in your area.

Thank you

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New Police Commander For South Devon

October 9, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Chief Superintendent Nikki Leaper has been announced as the new police commander for South Devon, covering Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams.
Chief Superintendent Leaper is returning to her home ground following her posting as the Alliance Operations Commander for both Devon & Cornwall and Dorset police forces.
Her previous role saw her responsible for both forces’ dog units, drones, roads policing, firearms, firearms licensing, resource management and contingency planning and events. She said: “I’ve spent the majority of my police life in South Devon. I started here as a PC and have worked in many roles including custody and response. I am so pleased to be coming back as the commander and to be working with such a fantastic team of officers and staff who are dedicated to keeping the communities in South Devon safe.
“I’m looking forward to working together with our partners from a variety of organisations from not only public sector, but private and voluntary. Making sure that South Devon is a safe place to live, work and visit is always our priority and we know that Devon and Cornwall are the safest places in the UK. I also want to make sure the police officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers who work in South Devon are supported and valued. They are what makes policing in South Devon such a success.”
You can follow her on twitter @ChSuptLeaper

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Scam Information

September 30, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

We would like to make residents aware that we have received reports of various scams taking place where a cold caller, email, or automated call claims to be from Amazon or Amazon Prime.
Please be wary of all contact of this type – the scams have varied and include the following:
an automated call a stating a number should be pressed for various reasons
or by someone in person asking for vouchers to be purchased in a shop and codes to be handed over
a request to download an app
emails with links attached (to phishing sites)
All of these are scams and instructions should not be followed, please hang up, don’t give out any personal information or click on any links.
If you want to check a call is genuine – hang up and make contact the company via a reliable source. Please wait ten minutes before making another call or clear the line by phoning a friend/family member.
If you have any concerns please phone 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk
If you have fallen victim to a scam, please report this to Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Please report any suspicious emails you receive to the National Cyber Security Centre: report@phishing.gov.uk
Please pass this information on and consider displaying in public areas such as notice boards etc
Thank you.

Please note that this message was sent by Devon and Cornwall Police.

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Serious Collision Near Kingsbridge

September 24, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

One male taken to hospital
At 13.14hrs on Wednesday 23rd September 2020, emergency services were called to the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the A379, just outside Kingsbridge.
The collision involved two vehicles, an HGV and a Blue Mazda car. The driver of the Mazda, a 54 year old male from the Bristol area, was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth with suspected serious injuries. The driver of the HGV, a 53 year old man from the Launceston area, was uninjured. The road was closed for 5 hours whilst a scene investigation took place.
Officers from Plympton Roads Policing Team and the Serious Collisions Investigation Team attended the scene and are conducting the investigation.
Police would like to thank members of the public for their patience during the road closure. If anyone witnessed the collision, please call 101 and quote log 418 of 23rd September 2020.

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Fake Penalty Charge Email

September 18, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

We would like to make the public aware of a recent fake penalty notice scam which is sent by email, the email looks genuine and official and states that a penalty charge is due, the email normally contains a link to pay online, please do not click on links.
To check a fine is genuine please use a reliable source of information to make contact to check.
Please be wary of this type of scam with emails that contain links, links can take you to a phishing website that is used to steal financial information.
If you have any concerns please phone 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk
Suspicious emails can also be forwarded to the National Security Centre’s “Suspicious Email Reporting Service” (SERS) report@phishing.gov.uk and if you have fallen victim to a phishing scam, please report this to: Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Please pass this information on.
Thank you.

Please note that this message was sent by Devon and Cornwall Police.

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Respect the Rule of Six To Protect Yourself and Others

September 17, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Latest coronavirus regulations
Residents and visitors in Devon and Cornwall are being urged to continue to play their part and prevent the spread of coronavirus after new regulations have come into effect making it illegal for groups of more than six people to gather socially.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the rule of six means that anyone gathering in a group of more than six people in any inside or outside place will be dispersed and could be subject to a £100 fine if they refuse to comply.
Devon and Cornwall Police will maintain the approach of 4Es to the new legislation using engagement, education and encouragement to ask members of the public to comply with the regulations. Enforcement remains a final option.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a shared effort and police will play a part alongside the Government, businesses, hospitality owners, local authorities and others.
“The change to COVID-19 legislation, and subsequent change in the law, means everyone has a legal responsibility to play their part and not gather in a group of more than six people.
“The new rules are clear. We all have a personal responsibility for following them to help stop of the spread of a deadly virus.”
There are some exceptions to these rules, including if everyone in the group is a member of the same household or two linked households.
The new regulations do not refer to schools or other childcare, education or training, the workplace, for voluntary charitable purposes or providing support to a vulnerable person.
The regulations do apply to the majority of public spaces, whether indoors or outdoors.
Gatherings of more than six, but no more than thirty, may be permitted at weddings or civil partnerships, funerals and other religious or belief-based life cycle ceremonies.
Police will have the ability to issue an on the spot £100 fixed penalty notice, which can rise to a maximum of £3,200 for repeat offending.
Assistant Chief Constable Mayhew added: “Demands on Devon & Cornwall Police, and the police service in general, are back to pre-COVID levels, making it even more important that people respect the change in the law and take personal responsibility.
I hope that we do not need to enforce the legislation as people understand the importance of the measures to keep us all safe. In the circumstances where police do engage with a group, I hope they all disperse and we do not need to issue a fine, but the powers are there should officers need them.
“The pandemic has not gone away and everyone must play their part to protect themselves, their families and our communities.
“I know we are seeing large numbers of younger people returning to universities in our region and campus life is likely to be very different with these measures. The work of universities and student groups to prepare for the year ahead highlights how we can all adapt”
“But I would ask everyone to respect yourself, others and comply with the law to make Devon and Cornwall a safe place for all.”
If members of the public are concerned that the law is being broken or they are experiencing anti-social behaviour, they can report this to Devon and Cornwall Police. We will consider the most appropriate response and will target the most problematic behaviour. Reports should be made through online reporting wherever possible via https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk.

Full details of the guidance can be found on the Government website – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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Face Coverings Become Mandatory In All Shops and Retail Premises

July 23, 2020 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Being socially responsible

From Friday, July 24, Government COVID-19 legislation changes mean it is mandatory to wear a face covering in all shops and retail premises.
The measure will see all shops able to prevent entry to the premises to anyone not wearing a face covering.

The new measure will see police given powers to issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone refusing to comply with the legislation, although Devon & Cornwall Police will be adopting an educate, engage and encourage approach with enforcement as a final option.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “The Government has announced the change to COVID-19 legislation in order to further protect the public and those working in retail premises from being exposed to the pandemic.
“As lockdown measures ease there is a need for us all to be socially responsible and play our part in reducing COVID risk and protecting each other as much as possible.
“Our approach will be similar to that already seen with face coverings being mandatory for those travelling on public transport.
“We will be engaging and educating the public with enforcement as a final option. It is disappointing if my officers are having to give a £100 fixed penalty notice to any member of the public for refusing to comply with the legislation.
“My hope is that everyone will be socially responsible and play their part in keeping our residents and many tourists in our region safe.”

Devon & Cornwall Police has been talking to businesses and traders throughout the last week to ensure support is given to the economy in the region as it begins to re-open following lockdown.
Visitor numbers across the region are seeing considerable increases as the peninsula’s shops, pubs, holiday parks and campsites have re-opened.

ACC Mayhew added: “It’s important we support our economy as it looks to restart and we come together as communities at a critically important time for the tourist industry.
“But that needs to be done safely. Many of our businesses have taken extraordinary measures to increase safety to the public, and wearing a face covering is the next step to reducing risk.
“COVID has not gone away and the responsibility for wearing a face covering sits with an individual.
“We know shops have already been managing customers effectively, so we hope everyone will adapt to the new measure and play their part in a creating a safer society.”

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