MESSAGES AND WARNINGS FROM NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
March 2011
ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST BOGUS CALLERS AND SCAMMERS
Due to the number of incidents where people have been calling at houses claiming to be from one of the utility companies such as BT, Yorkshire Water, British Gas and Yorkshire Electric there are checks you can make to verify the identity of a doorstep caller.
FOR BT
Always check the identity disc of the caller which should have a telephone number on the back along with an ID number. You can then call the number and quote the ID number which BT will then confirm if the caller is genuine.
You can also reduce the number of unsolicited phone calls you get by registering your phone number for free with the Telephone Service at http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ or by phoning 0845 070 0707.
FOR YORKSHIRE WATER
They have provided the telephone number 0800 138787. you can call free of charge to verify the identity of the caller.
Also they offer a password scheme whereby you create the password and when a representative calls they will give you this unique password to confirm they are legitimate. You choose the password which you will remember, keep it out of sight but where you can easily find it if needed.
FOR BRITISH GAS
They have a password scheme. All you need to do is choose a password (one that’s easy for you to remember) and they can arrange for their staff or representative to use the password when they visit. If you would like to set up a password, call 0800 072 8625.
FOR YORKSHIRE ELECTRIC
You can call the telephone number 0800 375 675 to confirm if the caller is genuine.
ROYAL MAIL
You can reduce the number of unsolicited letters and other mailings you get by registering for free with the Mail Preference Service at http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/ or by phoning 0845 703 4599.
It was reported recently that two males who were dressed in suits were knocking on houses claiming to be from BT, asking residents to check their land lines as they had done work on them recently. At another house they stated they were enquiring about mobile phones. . One male was described as early 20's white, slim, 6ft tall with short dirty blonde hair, they did have some sort of ID around their necks on blue ribbon but it was not shown to the householders. They were believed to be bogus callers.
Police Message. Please be aware of a possible phone scam whereby a male calling from a withheld number has been asking for money for an alleged police crime reduction scheme. This is not supported by North Yorkshire Police and we would ask you to remain vigilant at all times.
Recently there have been 2 thefts of lead from the roof of Cowling Church and the theft of the lightening conductor.
It was also reported recently that lead from St Wilfreds Church at Monk Fryston has been stolen. This is the third time over the past two years. .
We are appealing for local communities to be vigilant and report suspicious activity around churches and other community buildings to the police. .
Over the last few weeks a number of incidents have been reported to the police of burglaries in farm buildings, theft of scrap metal and of fuel oil. Please keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles and write down the registration numbers. Try and make your property as secure as possible.
Recently a blue articulated trailer 40ft in length and carrying a steel bridge 3.6ft wide and weighing 10.2 tonnes was stolen.
The trailer may have loan transport logo on it.
If you see this trailer please call the police on 0845 6060 247.
DID YOU KNOW?
QUESTION
Can the police do anything about people who let their dogs foul on the pavement, verges, gardens and other designated land to which the public have a right of way?
ANSWER
It is an offence not to clean up after a dog that has fouled. However, it is not the responsibility of the police but that of the local authority. The maximum fine for this offence is £1000 or alternatively councils can issue a fixed penalty of £50.
If you know someone who allows their dog to foul and fails to clean up after the dog, you should make a note of the time and date of the offence and the details of the dog owner and then contact your local authority (Telephone 01757 292123 or e-mail envfeedback@selby.gov.uk ) who will advise you how to proceed.
Over the last few weeks a number of incidnets have been reported to the police of burglaries in farm buildings, theft of scrap metal and of fuel oil.<br />Please keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles and write down the registration numbers. Try and make your property as secure as possible to deter thieves. If you see a suspicious vehicle please ring North Yorkshire Police on 08456060247 straight away.Thank you Gareth Jones Ripon Rural Safer Neighbourhood
It was reported at 09.56 and 11.03 on 2 March that males were calling in "No Cold Calling" zones at Stillingfleet and Tadcaster and were thought to be targeting the elderly. If you experience any door-to-door sellers in your "No Cold Calling" area, please call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247
FEBRUARY 2011
If you have any information related to the following incidents which have occurred in the last month in North Yorkshire please contact NYP on 0845 6060247
The York and Selby area has been subjected to a number of distraction burglaries whereby offenders have entered elderly victims homes on the pretext that they had been sent to their home by a family member to carry out repairs.
They have stolen substantial amounts of cash from the victims and on at least one occasion, took the complainant to the bank to withdraw money.
These types of crimes have a significant emotional impact on the elderly victims. Please be vigilant and warn any people which you feel may be vulnerable.
Good News- Recently a report of five males with dogs resulted in the arrest of one male for poaching offences, a dog and a vehicle were also seized. Also a report of lampers resulted in four males being arrested for poaching and drugs offences, again the vehicle and dogs were also seized. Eight males have also been arrested for driving motor cycles and a quad bike over a farmers land causing damage to crops.
Thank you for your continued vigilance and support, please continue to report such incidents on 0845 6060247.
Recently two males driving an old type maroon Ford Escort approached a property on Selby Road in Eggborough. The elderly female that resides at the property was told that her roof needed repairing and that they needed cash up front before they would start work. They then drove the female to the Post Office to withdraw the cash required. Fortunately the quick thinking member of staff realised that the situation seemed strange and upon attempting to question the males they made off at speed. Please remain vigilant and report any similar incidents to North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247 or 999 if applicable.
It was reported recently that entry had attempted to be gained to a property on Water Lane, Kirk Smeaton. It is possible that offenders were trying to steal a high-value motor vehicle at the location.
Please remain vigilant with vehicle and home security and report any suspicious activity to North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247.
An elderly lady at Ash Lea, Fairburn opened her door to a female who said she needed to check the water pressure as there was something wrong with it. The female did not say who she worked for. The lady let the female into her house and followed her into the bathroom where the female turned the tap on for a few minutes, turned it off and then left the property. When the lady’s husband returned later he was suspicious about what had happened and checked her handbag. A large amount of cash was missing. All residents, especially the elderly are reminded to check the identity of callers and to not let them into your property if you have any doubts about them. Please contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247 if you have any information about this or any other similar incidents
We would like to bring to your attention an increase in the theft of heating oil from residential and business premises. Please ensure that your tanks are as secure as possible and that any suspicious activity is reported to the police.
We have had three bogus builders in our district. Two in Selby and in one in Eggborough. These bogus builders are targeting the vulnerable and elderly, stating they need roof repairs and must have the money before any work is started. They then take the money and leave without doing any work. Can everybody please be vigilant, making sure ID is checked on any cold caller, and remember the ‘7 days to think’ policy. Can you also be aware of any vulnerable or elderly people living near you and if you see anything suspicious please call the police on 0845 6060 247, or ring trading standards on 08458 72 73 74.
Overnight on 4/5 February, Womersley Village Hall and Womersley Community Centre were broken in to. It is believed the offenders were looking for cash and valuables. The windy weather may have been a cover for any noise the offenders made. If you hear any strange noises, please don't assume it is the weather. If you have any doubts, call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247
There have been three more bogus callers at residential properties claiming to be from the Water board. A male approached the home address of an elderly person, claiming to be from the water board and that he thought they may have damaged the supply. He asked the occupant to watch the running water downstairs whilst he checked upstairs. The offender then stole cash and a purse. A second incident occurred when a male claiming to be a water board worker entered the property and a distraction burglary took place. .Also two males entered a property claiming to be from the water board and stole a bag containing cigarettes.
Please be aware of this type of crime and challenge anyone who comes to your door by asking them to provide identification which a genuine official will be happy to do
We are seeing an increase in shed, garage and container burglaries across the district. The main items are lawn mowers particularly ride-on mowers. Batteries are also being targeted .. Please make sure your property is secure and your outbuildings are locked. Do not leave items on display and if you have any information, please call North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 247
Recently a white Ford Tipper Transit Van registration number: J 352 PNX was stolen from Stubbs Lane, Cridling Stubbs..
If you have any information regarding this please contact NYP.
DID YOU KNOW?
QUESTION
Can the police do anything about people who let their dogs foul on the pavement, verges, gardens and other designated land to which the public have a right of way?
ANSWER
It is an offence not to clean up after a dog that has fouled. However, it is not the responsibility of the police but that of the local authority. The maximum fine for this offence is £1000 or alternatively councils can issue a fixed penalty of £50.
If you know someone who allows their dog to foul and fails to clean up after the dog, you should make a note of the time and date of the offence and the details of the dog owner and then contact your local authority (Telephone 01757 292123 or e-mail envfeedback@selby.gov.uk) who will advise you how to proceed.