We are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information in connection with reports of thefts from boats.
Between 1:15am and 3:15am on Sunday 28 July 2019 offenders have entered a Boat Yard in Salcombe via the water on a small boat. They have towed a number of boats out to the estuary, removed the engines and then let the boats drift.
If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious, or may have seen the suspects enter or leave the water then please get in touch.
We would again remind people to take all security precautions by removing all valuable items from boats.
If you see any suspicious activity please phone 999.
If you have any information or CCTV in the area mentioned please phone 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/067899/19.
Thank you.
Posts tagged police
Thefts from Boats In Salcombe – Cr-067899-19
Fraudsters Are Convincing And After Your Money: police message
Elderly victims being targeted
Devon and Cornwall Police received two reports on Tuesday 23 July, of elderly residents being the target of telephone scams, with fraudsters working in the area.
Fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone and purporting to be a police officer or bank official.
To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address.
They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudsters who pretend to be a different person.
After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;
Some money has been removed from a victim’s bank account and staff at their local bank branch are responsible;
Suspects have already been arrested but the ‘police’ need money for evidence.
Today’s victims, a lady in her 80s from the Exeter area, and a man in his 70s from the Liskeard area, were contacted by someone pretending to be from the Serious Fraud Office, Scotland Yard, by the name of John Collins.
He stated that someone had used their account details to buy items online.
The fraudsters frightened the victims into believing their money was at risk and not to trust anyone in the bank.
They were told to withdraw nearly £10,000, as well as various amounts of foreign currency, from their personal accounts and hand them to a man called Martin Johnson working for the police; the courier.
It is often the case, to reassure the victim, a ‘safe word’ might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine.
At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they’ve handed over will be reimbursed, but, in reality, there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.
Both victims have been safeguarded and no money has been paid out to the criminals.
The public are reminded that these fraudsters are highly professional in their approach and incredibly convincing. The best way to prevent these scams is to make everyone aware.
Remember, your bank or the police will never:
Phone and ask for your PIN or full banking password;
Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud;
Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine;
Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud.
Stay in control – if something feels wrong, then it is usually right to question it. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.
Please note that this message was sent by Devon and Cornwall Police.
DRIVERS TARGETED WITH FAKE FINES
What you need to know
Action Fraud have received an increase in reports and intelligence where elderly victims are being targeted by individuals purporting to be police officers or traffic wardens. The victims are being approached whilst parked in a car park and are told by the suspect that they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and a photo has been taken of their car for ‘evidence’.
Victims are advised that they will face a substantial penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately. Victims, who opt for paying the smaller penalty, will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN. These parking meters have been tampered with by the suspect in order to retain the card.
Once the victim inserts their card and are asked for their PIN, the victims are shoulder surfed for their PIN by the suspect. Once victims input their PIN, the card is retained by the machine and victims are told by the suspect to seek help from the company who operates the parking meter or their bank.
What you need to do
If you are suspicious about the authenticity of the fine, do not pay it until you have verified it with your local council.
Always shield your PIN from view when using an ATM machine, and never share your PIN with anyone.
If your bank card is retained by an ATM machine, contact your bank immediately to inform them.
Fatal Collision – Kingsbridge -9 June 2019
Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision near Kingsbridge on Sunday [9 June] in which a man died. Emergency services were called at 5.50am after a blue Rover 25 overturned on the A381 near to Piers Cottage. The driver and sole occupant, a 30-year-old Kingsbridge man, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The road was closed for six-and-a-half hours while a specialist examination of the scene was carried out.
Police are asking for any witnesses to the collision or anyone with information to contact them via 101@dc.police.uk or by phone on 101, quoting log number 0210 of 09/06/19.
HMRC Alert – What you need to know
Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls and voicemails, to members of the public purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Fraudsters are spoofing genuine HMRC telephone numbers to deceive their victims over the phone. The fraudsters state that as a result of the victim’s non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable for prosecution or other legal proceedings in order to settle the balance. The fraudsters suggest victims can avoid this, by arranging payment to be made immediately by methods such as bank transfer or by purchasing iTunes gift cards.
If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, sending bailiffs to the victim’s address or, in some cases, deportation.
Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact with the victim.
In genuine cases, HMRC will initially make direct contact with you via post/letter and potentially follow up that letter with a phone call at a later date.
If HMRC contact you via telephone they will quote the reference number on the initial letter you should have received. HMRC will not discuss something you are not already aware of, like a tax investigation, and will NOT demand immediate payment.
It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.
What you need to do
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
Legitimate organisations wouldn’t ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re likely the target of a scam
Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, you can report this as phishing to Action Fraud
Courier Fraud, Bogus Police and Bank Officials Alert
What you need to know
Individuals have been receiving phone calls from people claiming to be a police officer or banking official
The suspect will say either:
There has been fraudulent activity at the victims’ bank and the staff at the bank are involved, the victim is then asked to withdraw money to either keep it safe or assist the police with their investigation
A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is fraudulent and they require the victims’ assistance to help secure evidence by purchasing jewellery or exchange a large amount of currency to hand over to the police
The victims’ card has been compromised and used to purchase goods by a suspect, the victim is requested to withdraw their money to keep it safe or hand over their bank card to the police
What you need to do
Your bank or the police will never:
Occasionally the victim will be told to dial a non-emergency extension of ‘161’ to receive confirmation of the individual’s bogus identity, the bogus official will advise the victim to lie about the reason for the withdrawal or purchase if challenged by staff, as the staff member is involved in the fraud
A courier attends the victim’s home address to collect the goods the same day Often the victim is given a code word for the courier as a way of authentication
Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password
Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping
Ask you to transfer money out of your account
Send someone to your home to collect cash, PINs, cards to cheque books
You are receiving this message because you are registered On Devon and Cornwall Alert.
Scam – Cyber Fraud Information
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.
Detectives Investigate Unexplained Death – Salcombe
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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