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

Posts tagged police

Scam – Cyber Fraud Information

March 8, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

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

We would like to make you aware of the following scams:

Fake TV Licensing emails.

Fake TV Licensing emails are in circulation claiming to offer refunds etc. The links provided in the emails could lead to phishing websites to steal personal and financial details.

Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam, contact the company directly using a known phone number.

Fraudulent texts/emails from your bank/building society

Spoof texts are being sent out by scammers purporting to be from the bank/building society, the texts may show as being from your bank/building society or on the thread of the text messages that may have previously been received from the bank/building society– please do not click on any links or give any personal information. Do not follow out any instructions.
A genuine organisation/bank/building society will never contact you to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money.

If you receive a cold call on your phone and want to hang up and phone the organisation back on a number you trust or know to confirm authenticity, please make sure the line is clear before making another call, you can do this by phoning a friend or relative.

More information on fraud prevention and online safety can be found on the Devon and Cornwall police website: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-internet-safety/cyber-internet-crime/

Please report fraud or cyber crime to Action Fraud by phoning 0300 123 2040 or report on their website www.actionfraud.police.uk

How to avoid becoming a victim of cyber crime
Use ‘strong’ passwords, and keep your passwords secure. i.e. use at least 8 characters, include numbers and letters, both upper and lower case.
Update your computer security, anti-viral software and install a firewall.
Keep your operating systems updated.
Delete and block spam or junk emails. Be careful when opening attachments or using internet downloads.
Secure and encrypt wireless networks when using WiFi (Wireless Internet access).
Make sure your internet browser and any plug-ins are updated (e.g. Flash, Java, Silverlight)
Use reputable companies when shopping online.
Use secure payment methods, such as PayPal or credit cards for online purchases.
Avoid scams, criminal gangs operate ‘scams’ and use the internet as one of the methods to defraud people and business. i.e. asking for money to pay for travel, finance a sick relative, or winning the lottery.
They will also try passing off as your bank and ask for your banking details.
or Microsoft or your internet provider stating your computer has been corrupted and want you to click on a link or download some software.
Backup important data – like photographs, music, videos or documents and not just to the cloud.

Please share this information with others and consider displaying on public noticeboards etc.

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Detectives Investigate Unexplained Death – Salcombe

February 28, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Detectives Investigate Unexplained Death – Salcombe

two arrests have taken place

Police are investigating an unexplained death after a 15-year-old boy died.

Police were called at 12.45pm on Saturday 2 February to a property at Carr Close following reports of concern for the welfare of a boy, who is believed to have taken an unknown substance.

Emergency services attended the scene where he was pronounced deceased. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

He has since been formally identified as 15-year-old Tyler Peck from Salcombe.

Detective Inspector Dave Pebworth from the Devon Local Investigation Team, said: “This is an incredibly sad incident and my thoughts are with the family of 15-year-old Tyler at this time.

“We are at the early stages of this investigation and, at this time, enquires are ongoing to determine the circumstances which lead to Tyler’s untimely death.

“I would stress that this is currently being treated as an isolated incident and that we do not believe there to be any increased risk to the wider community.

“I’d like to urge parents and guardians to talk to their children about the risks and potential dangers involved in taking drugs. Safeguarding is a priority and we do not wish to see anyone else in our community go through this ordeal.”

A 39-year-old man from Kingsbridge was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. He was released on police bail and has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A woman in her 30s was arrested on Wednesday 6 February, on suspicion of manslaughter and being concerned in the supply of drugs. She was released on police bail until Wednesday 6 March.

Investigating officers are keen to hear from anyone who has information in connection to this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CR/010319/19.

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Scam Alert- South Devon

February 11, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

We have received a report of an elderly resident in South Devon being contacted by phone by a scammer purporting to be from their bank.
The cold caller gave the resident a genuine telephone number for the bank for the resident to return the call on and was able to deceive the resident into giving their card details.
Some goods purchased online by the scammer also turned up at the address of the resident the following day.
Please be vigilant and make relatives and neighbours aware of this type of scam, the scammers can be very convincing.
Please hang up on any similar calls, do not give out any personal information and do not follow instructions from cold callers.
Also, if goods are delivered to your address and you haven’t ordered them, refuse to take delivery.
If you have any concerns please email 101@dc.police.uk or phone 101.
Information on scams can be found on the Action Fraud website https://actionfraud.police.uk/
Before making another call from your phone please test your phone by phoning a friend or relative to ensure that you are not still connected to the scammer.
If you have been a victim of such a crime, please contact us via 101 email 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime CR/11636/19.
Thank you.

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Statement From Chief Constable Following Budget Setting

February 11, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Local authority precept agreed.

Following today’s Police and Crime Panel the 2019/20 local authority precept for Devon and Cornwall Police has been agreed.

Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “I note the views of the Police and Crime Panel today and their agreement to raise the council tax precept by 41 pence a week for a Band C property.

“While I don’t under estimate the impact of rising costs for our communities, an increase in precept is the only way I can provide a sustainable policing service for the communities of Devon and Cornwall.

“I will now be working closely with the OPCC, emphasising my own priorities as well as those in the Police and Crime Plan.

“We still have some significant funding challenges ahead – financing a changing pension picture, increasing public demand for service and the huge swell of population summer brings to our region being just some of those areas.

“But I will do everything possible to work with the OPCC to maintain, and wherever possible, increase frontline policing across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Chief Constable Sawyer added: “Government funding remains a huge personal frustration as my force has for many years, and continues, to fall foul of the Home Office funding formula of police forces.

“The geography and population of Devon and Cornwall means we do not get a fair slice of funding compared to other – often more urban forces.

“Against the most basic national averages, our communities in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly receives 26 pence of government funding per day per head of population compared to an average of 33 pence in other areas.

“If we received the average from government we could potentially invest £40m more into frontline policing – reflecting the enormous challenges of policing our rural, urban and coastal communities.

“I’ve also no doubt that Government funding will not be increasing significantly in the coming years – further austerity is a more realistic assumption. So to simply stand still we have to ask the public for more.

“That cannot be right and I am committed to continuing to lobby Government, with the OPCC, to remedy this long standing discrimination to our force.”

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ONLY TRAVEL IF ESSENTIAL – AMBER WEATHER WARNING

January 31, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Police are advising the public to only travel if essential, following an upgrading in the weather warning for snow, effecting large areas of Devon and Dorset.
The Met Office have put in place an amber weather warning from 2pm today which lasts throughout tomorrow, which will lead to challenges for road users in the area.
Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, Head of Roads Policing for the Alliance, said: “We are aware of the upgraded weather warning for this afternoon and tomorrow, which is an amber warning for snow encompassing parts of Devon and Dorset.
“It is vitally important that the public take these warnings serious. It is in place from 2pm today meaning that it will impact rush hour traffic, therefore we advise that people give serious consideration to their journey home from work and the school runs; we recommend that people do not travel unless essential.
“The biggest reoccurring error that we see from road users is that during times of severe weather, they do not alter their driving habits. Many of us have the luxury of a car with air con and mod cons that see us in a protective bubble, and can see drivers oblivious to the perilous conditions on the roads.
“Please can all road users reduce their speed, give extra breaking distance between them and the vehicle in front, and if you must travel, leave both extra time for your journey and prepare for the worst – ensure you have a full tank, food and water in the vehicle, shovel and stop signs, a full charged phone and warm clothing; all the things to prepare you in-case of a breakdown.
“Let’s learn from the severe weather of last year. Please heed these weather warnings, and only travel if essential.”
For the latest on the weather, please see the Met Office weather warning webpage: www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings for the latest on roads affected, please see the Traffic watch website on www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/news/traffic-watch

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Wanted – Horatio Harrison

January 29, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Has links across South Devon

Police in South Devon are seeking the public’s help to trace a 27-year- old man from Totnes who is wanted for recall to prison.

Horatio Harrison was originally charged with burglary offences in 2018 and is wanted for failing to comply with licence conditions following his release from prison.

Enquiries are ongoing by the police to locate and arrest him.

Police are asking the public for information as to his whereabouts and to report any sightings of him.

Harrison is described as a white ma, around 5ft 9ins tall and of slim build.

He has connections to Totnes, Newton Abbot and wider South Devon area.

Anyone who sees Harrison or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101@dcpolice.uk or calling 101, quoting log 361 of Monday 31 December 2018.

You can also report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Please find the link to the image on the Devon and Cornwall police website: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?id=c24ba451-b561-4a03-af85-c5298036a6b5

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Fines And Fixed Penalty Notices – Let The Police And Crime Commissioner Know Your Views

December 13, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Last year on Britain’s roads an average of five people were killed and more than 460 injured every single day in road traffic collisions. Far too many lives are being risked or ruined due to inconsiderate, dangerous drivers who have a blatant disregard for their own safety and that of others when they ignore the law.
It’s important we continue to educate road users on safety but enforcement is also part of the solution.
Fines and fixed penalty notices should act as a deterrent and to penalise occasions when less serious offences occur. But this must go hand in hand with more police enforcement to make sure the law abiding majority feel safe and confident using our roads.
The money generated by fixed penalty fines and other motoring offences goes to HM Treasury – not to the police, councils or highways authorities whose job it is to keep our roads safe. I don’t think this is fair. If police forces were able to raise more revenues, they would be able to invest in new road safety enforcement and education officers like the No Excuse team.
Also, the fines for some offences is out of kilter with the harm caused. The penalty for those caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving doubled to a £200 fine and six points last year to reflect the severity of the crime and public concern, and the maximum fine for those admitting littering from a car rose to £150, yet the fixed penalty charge for speeding remains at £100 and three points.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am calling for the fixed penalty fines for some traffic offences to be increased to act as a greater deterrent and, importantly, that this additional revenue is passed directly into local road safety measures with a priority given to enforcement.
But I want to hear what you think. Please take time to answer a short survey to let us know your views (this should take no longer than two minutes) https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BKHM567

Thank you
Alison Hernandez
Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall
http://www.devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk/

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CHRISTMAS DRINK/DRIVE WARNING!

December 6, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Devon & Cornwall Police has a simple message to all drivers this Christmas – don’t risk driving if you’ve had even one drink or have taken drugs.
Inspector Peter Thomas of the Alliance Roads Policing Team, said: “Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times and spatial awareness are affected significantly. This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol you consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking.
“If police think you are unfit to drive through consumption of alcohol, even if your breath test registers lower than the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath you can still be arrested and may be charged with an offence. In short, you do not have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Don’t risk it.
“It’s not just you that’s at risk. You could kill or seriously injure another person. Drink and drug driving destroys people’s lives and those of their families. Avoiding this happening is as simple as planning ahead, leaving the car at home and using a taxi, public transport or designated driver to get home.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, said: “This summer my team spoke to over 5,000 people about all forms of irresponsible road use and drink driving was one of their main issues.
“We know that more people risk drinking and driving over the Christmas period but if you’re thinking of doing that I want to tell you that because we’ve invested more resources in roads policing this year you’re more likely to get caught. The consequences of that for you and the people you love can be devastating.”
Between 1 December 2018 and 1 January 2019 a number of special operations, in addition to vigilant day to day roads policing, have been organised by the now enhanced Alliance Roads Policing team, Alliance Roads Policing Specials and No Excuse team, working with armed response vehicle (ARV) police officers and neighbourhood policing teams and in partnership with Highways England and the Peninsula Road Safety Partnership.
The force will not announce in advance where and when these are happening. These include Operation Tramline which uses an unmarked HGV cab, supplied by Highways England, to provide an unprecedented platform from which to spot offences; Operation Logjam which concentrates on speeding and the “morning after” when the roads are full of morning commuters and increased commercial traffic, and a range of local operations targeting morning after drivers and those who have been out drinking in the evening.
Sergeant Jon-Kerridge-Smith, leading the No Excuse team, said: “We are targeting irresponsible drivers.
“Breath tests will be taken from all drivers involved in collisions, irrespective of whether or not they suspect a drink driving offence. Drivers can also expect to be tested if stopped for an offence.”
Drugwipe sample kits will be used at the roadside on drivers suspected of being unfit to drive through drugs, and provide an instant result.
“Over the past decade, nationally, we’ve significantly reduced the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads and we are passionate about ensuring we continue this downward trend. We will continue to do this through enforcement and education, making drivers think twice before they get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.”
“I don’t want myself, or any of the Alliance roads policing officers, to have to knock on someone’s door this Christmas to break the devastating news that a father, mother, son, daughter or partner is never coming home again.”
If you are concerned about someone drinking and driving and it is going to happen immediately, call 999 or report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Otherwise email 101@dc.police.uk
More information, and a range of downloadable posters and leaflets about drink driving can be found on the Devon & Cornwall Police website:www.dc.police.uk/drinkdriving

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