Seasonal awareness - all areas

All,

Just a short message to say thank you once again to all those supporting Lisburn Community Safety Network.

With 2011 coming to a close it is hard to believe another year has passed so quickly. I trust that you continue to find the Network helpful in keeping you aware of what is going on in the Lisburn area and as an aid to preventing crime especially of it happening to you.

Numbers have yet gain increased and this is a great encouragement particularly as CSN is a voluntary extra and your support is the factor in keeping it going. My thanks also go to the Neighbourhood Police Teams who promote CSN on my behalf during their dealings with you.

In particular I have noted the increase in members of the public contacting police in regards to suspicious vehicles, persons or activity and notably the messages in relation to rogue traders and bogus callers have been taken on board and that has helped curtail the activities of those that would take advantage of the elderly and vulnerable and the trauma that such victimisation leaves in it’s wake.

Prevention is better than cure and I urge you to continue to be vigilant in activity in your area, securing properties and vehicles even over the remaining festive period. Opportunist criminals still have their “last minute shopping” to do too.

We have had very good successes in the District over the last year and many criminals are now paying the appropriate price for their activities and many others have had their criminality disrupted. It is our aim to build further on these successes in 2012.

Once again please spare a thought for those of my colleagues who will be on duty and away from families over the next few days and nights. There are still those who seek to prevent us doing our job to protect you, the community, and as with all other days of the year we are with necessity required to remain careful and vigilant whilst performing our daily tasks. Please be patient and understanding. Our desire is to finish a successful day’s work and go home safely to our own families and yet vigilance is required there also and this has been all too readily brought home with the loss of another colleague earlier in the year and close calls for others. There is no switching off for us even at Christmas. It is a happy time for most but a poignant reminder to others of the cost in serving the community in which we live and work.

As usual I would appeal to you to enjoy your festive “spirit” but temper it with common sense and do not spoil your Christmas with the requirement of a uniform presence at a non-fancy dress party!! Domestic violence continues to be a bane of our society and coupled with alcohol fuelled assaults that do make the Christmas and New Year celebrations a busy time – unnecessary if enjoyed properly.

Finally, if you'll indulge me, remember it is called Christmas for a reason, enjoy its true meaning. It’s a time for celebration and preparation.......

Have a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and rewarding new year.

P.S. Was fortunate enough to meet the “The Big Guy” at a festive celebration last night. I can report all is going to schedule, if you have been good you are on the list. Carrots are still in vogue for the reindeer and stop-off snacks are readily received – and although I would caution for “in charge of a sleigh under the influence” but I can find no corresponding legislation!!!

Only 2 more sleeps to go….1 and a bit no doubt for those involved in any “pre-construction” activity.

Please approach such with care and caution and an element of pre-planning. Such things as Lego, I assure you, does not respond in any way to undue pressure or detrimental words of criticism and only serves to test your patience and the lack of understanding of the relative 7 year old as to why Dad is not enjoying the father / son bonding session.

Merry Christmas and make it special for them!!

N.

Nativity maybe but not a new warning.

Christmas Greetings wrapped in Awarenes

All Areas general and suspicious vehicles

Suspicious Vehicle

Report of a red Vauxhall Movano van with registration similar to FN05NUW operating in the Ashcroft Way Ballinderry area yesterday afternoon.

Possible rogue traders - please be wary of cold callers and approaches to vulnerable or elderly neighbours and family.

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E Mail Spam Warning

A local CSN member was subject to a SPAM email indicating he had booked an American Airline flight ticket by way of his credit card, but before he opened the email he went on to the Airline's website to check the flight details and time. That was when he discovered the warning about spam emails.

From AMERICAN AIRLINES Website:

It has come to our attention that there are a lot of spam emails being sent at the moment that indicate the sender as being American Airlines. These emails are what is known as Phishing Emails and have not been sent by American Airlines.
Phishing is the practice of sending phony email messages that are disguised as legitimate and often include company logos that look real. A typical Phishing Email will include a false claim about a customer’s account and either a link or button that takes them to a “spoof” website that mimics a reputable company’s actual website, in hopes that they will disclose personal information such as a credit card number or account information. Some Phishing Emails may also have attachments which may contain potential email viruses.For more information about Phishing Emails and how to protect yourself go to www.aa.com/i18n/urls/phishingEmails.jsp

Quick Check Scheme

Quick Check


Crime Prevention's Quick Check scheme, which allows householders to use a freephone number to confirm if a caller on their doorstep is genuine, has recently been promoted in the media.

The service is provided in partnership with Fold Telecare and Virgin Media with the support of utility companies who register their details.

Easy steps with Quick Check

Before you answer the door, make sure your back door is locked.

If you have a door chain remember to use it before you open the door.

Ask the caller for their identification and check it carefully.

Ask them to wait outside and close the door - genuine callers will not mind.

Ring Quick Check on freephone 0800 013 22 90. Your call will be answered personally and promptly by a trained operator. They will check with the company on your behalf, that the person at your door is genuine. If they are not or they think that there is something suspicious, they will contact the police immediately.

Do not let anyone into your home until you are satisfied as to who they are.

Quick Check is a free telephone service, which is available 24 hours a day all year round to residents throughout Northern Ireland

Security Tips Christmas

Security Tips for Christmas Shopping


1. Make sure you put the goods you have purchased in the boot or your car out of sight or make several trips to the shops. Do not provide the opportunist criminal an invitation to break into your car.

2. Don’t carry large sums of money that are easily visible and accessible to would be thieves. Keep your money, purse or wallet somewhere safe that only you can get to.

3. When you get your goods home keep them out of sight from anyone who wants to have a look in your windows. The criminal knows we keep goods at home to give out as presents so by putting in simple crime prevention steps you can make it more difficult. Thieves see an open window as an open invitation to gain access to your home and an open invitation to steal your valuables. Don’t let them.

General ATMs - All areas

As we approach Christmas it is important to be vigilant when using ATMs to lift money.


ATM skimming is when someone illegally copies your account details from the magnetic strip on your credit or debit card when you use an ATM.The fraudster then uses your details to create a fake or ‘cloned’ card. In most cases, they use the fake card and PIN to withdraw money from an ATM.

This week two skimming devices have been detected on bank machines in Belfast City Centre and two on other ATMs in the Greater Belfast area .

Please be aware of this and the nature of the people behind this is they move from town to town and could be heading to an ATM near you.

Below is some advice to consider:

Warning signs — what to look out for?

Does the ATM look like it normally does – can you see any unusual additions, marks or changes?

Are there any signs that someone has tampered with the ATM - can you see any glue residue, exposed wires, pieces of double-sided tape?

You notice something suspicious about the card slot on an ATM (e.g. an attached device).

You notice unusual or unauthorised transactions on your account or credit card statement.

If you notice any of these warning signs contact your local branch and call the police on 0845 600 8000



Using an ATM safely?

Only use ATM machines in a well-lighted, open, high-traffic area during the daytime

ATM machines in supermarkets are safer for night time use

Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places

When you approach an ATM scan the area first for loiterers

Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public

Walk or drive away immediately if your instincts tell you so

All Areas - suspicious vehicles

A light blue Alfa Romeo 156 with a registration similar to KJ51COU was noted in the Antrim area yesterday afternoon. This vehicle was believed to be in the vicinity of an earlier distraction burglary.


Police wish to identify the occupants as part of their enquiries.

Should you sight this vehicle in the Lisburn area please notify police asap with details.

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A blue VW Golf with a southern registration similar to 09-G-1716 was reported acting suspiciously in the Crumlin / Dundrod area. Possibly with 2 males and a female.

This vehicle was also believed to be in the vicinity of an earlier distraction burglary. Police wish to identify the occupants as part of their enquiries.

Again if you sight this vehicle please notify police asap with details.

Suspicious vehicles - all areas

Suspicious Vehicles / Rogue Traders


Reported that a red transit EFZ2645 in the area of Ballinderry Road Aghalee yesterday (20/10/2011) at approx 11.45am. A leaflet was left at the property referring to THOMPSON CLEANING SERVICES. The vehicle was cold calling and may be a possible rogue trader.

There was also a suspicious blue van calling to houses in the area on Tuesday 18th, advertising steam cleaning services, 2 x males with southern accents. Given recent burglaries / thefts please be wary of any strangers involved in such activity and report details to police if concerned.

Delivery/telephone Scam - All areas

Postal Scam:

Can you circulate this around especially as Xmas is fast approaching - it has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are making people aware of the following scam:
A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact the m on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).
DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize .
If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already have been billed £315 for the phone call.
If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.
For more information, see the Crime Stoppers website:
http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/helping-prevent-crime/scams/postal-delivery-scam

General All Areas

Suspicious Vehicle


Report early this morning (around 7am) of a 4x4 type vehicle acting suspiciously in the Burnpipe Lane, Burren area of Ballynahinch. Registration similar to TJI6500. No offences identified but if sighted in the area consider notifying police to aid identification and ensure nothing untoward.

Please be mindful of bogus callers and ensure any strangers identify themselves properly if calling at your home.

Oil Thefts

With the colder weather approaching oil deliveries are on the up and likewise the possibility of oil thefts. Most reputable firms use logos on their delivery vehicles. Please ensure where possible oil tanks are locked and secured. Any suspicious activity around oil tanks should be reported especially if you note a neighbour has already received an oil delivery.

Arrests

After a report of suspicious activity involving 3 males tampering with cars in the Clonmore Park area of Lisburn police responded and identified the suspects and made 3 arrests on burglary related offences.

Burglary

Criminals forced entry to a property in the Killeaton Crescent area of Derriaghy yesterday. Entry was forced through a bath room window.

Did you note any unfamiliar persons in the area of any suspicious activity or vehicles? If so please contact police with details.

Given the current value of scrap metals this makes vacant properties, yards, cabling etc ideal opportunities for roaming thieves.

Firework Warnings and Safety - all areas

Firework Safety
• When buying fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use “Indoor, Garden or Display”

• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin.

• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket or anyone else’s.

• Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or a hand lamp. Never use a naked flame.

• Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter.

• Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit.

• Always supervise children around fireworks.

• NEVER throw fireworks.

• Keep all pets and animal indoors.

• Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11 pm.

Sparklers

• These are often viewed as being harmless but they do burn at fierce temperatures. To a young child, the heat from a sparkler is equivalent to the heat from a welding torch.

• Never give sparklers to young children under five.

• Always wear gloves with sparklers, preferably leather ones.

• Hold it at arms length and always have an adult light it.

• Never wave sparklers about near anyone else as you could burn them.

• Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler.

• When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away.



What you should know when buying fireworks

• Fireworks must not be sold to children under 16 years of age.

• Fireworks cannot and should not be bought in Northern Ireland without a licence. The only exceptions will be Category 1 i.e. sparklers and indoor fireworks.

• To fire any outdoor firework you must apply to the NIO for a licence.

• Only Category 2 garden fireworks can be purchased by the general public.

• Fireworks of erratic flight, mini-rockets, bangers and air bombs are illegal.

• The cost of a fireworks licence is £30. When applying for one you must specify who is using the fireworks.

• Fireworks should not be fired between the hours of 11.00 pm and 7.00 am

Help us to help you!


If you have information on the illegal sale of fireworks ring your local police station or use the Crimestoppers Charity on 0800 555 111

Burglary and suspicious Vehicle - all areas

Burglary


Around 930pm yesterday evening a burglary was reported in the Crumlin Road area of Ballinderry. The owner arrived home to find a glass panel removed, the house entered and a number of items of jewellery had been stolen.
At 1030pm a burglary was also reported in Ballinderry Road. Again items of jewellery had been stolen after the house was entered through a athroom window.

Did you note any strangers or unfamiliar vehicles in the area? If so please contact police with details.

There have been a number of distraction burglaries throughout the area / province. It is believed a large saloon car possibly a black Audi may be involved.

At approx. 11:00hrs on Friday 2nd September 2011 a burglary occurred at Crewe Park Road, Glenavy .

There were reports of a black Audi car, registration similar to LS56NCN in the vicinity, at the time of the incident. Any sightings of this vehicle should be reported to police.

Creeper Burglary Advice D Division

D District Community Safety Message


Sept 2011 `Creeper Burglary` Alert

A `Creeper Burglary` is when the thief targets a house with a view to breaking in, when the householders are asleep or out of the house but close by, to steal car keys and other property and leave in the householders car.

Unfortunately across D District some have occurred.

Police would offer you the following advice on how to prevent it;-

1 Always ensure you lock all windows and doors in your home when working outside, going out or going to bed at night.

2 If you have a house alarm, use it – even if going out for short periods of time.

3 When you go to bed alarm the downstairs

4 Security lighting can be a BIG deterrent for the burglar

5 Secure property normally outside the home, such as bicycles, garden tools, sheds, etc with good quality locks or remove altogether.

6 Never leave car keys, handbags, mobile phones or house keys downstairs at night.

7 Don’t keep large amounts of cash at home

8 You should always mark personal property such as electrical goods etc with UV pen – (Postcode & House number) or smart water

9 If you see something suspicious, report it IMMEDIATELY to police on 0845 600 8000

10 If you see a crime in progress, ring 999 IMMEDIATELY

Unfortunately a high number of domestic burglaries are through insecure doors or windows (This may affect your insurance claims)

All areas - Advice in relation to reducing Oil Theft

Advice in relation to reducing Oil Theft


Your local Crime Reduction Officer of the Police Service for Northern Ireland is giving the following Crime Reduction Advice to help you to prevent heating oil theft:

• Check you heating level REGULARLY at least twice a week – preferably daily.

• There are many devices on the market for measuring how much oil is in your tank – buy one and USE IT (oil sentry, oil watchman etc. See local supplier for details).

• What security features does your tank have, LOCKABLE FUEL CAP, SENSOR LIGHTING COVERAGE, ETC.

• Is your heating oil tank easily accessible to vehicular traffic-next to a road, car park etc? If it is you are at a HIGHER RISK of theft being committed.

• Be a good neighbour and REPORT anything suspicious around a neighbour’s home i.e. an oil tanker or van in a driveway at an unusual time, persons taking hoses through to an oil tank etc. If you are suspicious note details and ring 0845 600 8000 IMMEDIATELY.

• For more advice on keeping safe visit the PSNI web-site at www.psni.co.uk

General - all areas - Theft

THEFT


A ride on lawnmower and push mower have been stolen within the last 20 minutes from an address in the Feumore Road, Ballyvannon area of Lisburn.

A white transit with blackened windows was noted earlier in the area heading in the direction of Ballinderry / Genavy.


If you can assist in identifying any vehicles or persons please contact police with details. Ensure gardening machinery and premises are secure when not in use.

Aghalee - Suspicious Vehicles

Suspicious Vehicles


Burglary reported yesterday around 1220pm at Brankinstown Road, Aghalee– housholder disturbed persons in the house at around noon. Entry gained via an unlocked rear door.

Pillow case abandoned at backdoor containing householders jewellery box – bike also stolen but abandoned approx half a mile away up the road.

Householder challenged male in vehicle near house upon discovery of burglary - White Combo Van Partial VRM KKZ – driver decribed as male 5’6”, medium build, sandy coloured hair, Southern Accent, tattoo of Celtic Symbol with spears on Right Bicep.

Also the evening before householder spotted Red Audi with Black Convertible Roof parked in layby outside her address at tea time and that she had had a card posted through her letterbox advertising “MD Window Cleaning”. Yesterday around mid-day police stopped a red Audi car in the Orken Lane area of Aghalee and made two arrests for going equipped for burglary offences.

All areas - Rogue Traders

Rogue Traders

Please note the following extract of details which as we know through CSN are readily applicable to such traders often operating in the Lisburn area.

CONSUMERLINE WARNS AGAINST INCREASE IN ROGUE DOORSTEP TRADERS DURING SUMMER MONTHS

20 July 2011

Figures released by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) show that home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders.

The OFT is today urging consumers, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to be on their guard against rogue traders knocking at their door.

Last year, Consumerline, Northern Ireland’s consumer advice service, received almost 600 complaints from Northern Ireland consumers related to home maintenance work.

The top five complaints were as follows:
· General building work.

· Plumbing .

· Tarmacing and paving.

· Central Heating.

· Roofing.

With complaints about home maintenance peaking in the summer months from July through to the autumn, Consumerline is urging householders to be cautious and take time to think about people who call at the door. Rogue doorstep traders will often offer services at attractive rates and use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.

Stephen Thompson, Consumerline manager said: "It is not illegal for handymen to canvas for work, but it is important that people are cautious and do not make hasty decisions. Rogue doorstep trading is an ongoing problem in Northern Ireland and work or service carried out can sometimes be unnecessary, of a poor standard, much more expensive than originally quoted or not done at all."

"This campaign is helping people to recognise the warning signs, so that they have the confidence to say no if they’re unsure about what is being offered."

Consumerline offers the following advice on how people can avoid being scammed by rogue doorstep traders:

· If a trader knocks at your door do not agree to on the spot house repairs, or sign anything on the spot.

· Be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe.

· Do not make snap decisions. Take time to talk to someone you trust before you make a decision.

· If in doubt, call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or visit http://www.consumerline.org

All areas - general warning - rogue traders

Rogue Traders


Reports of a white Ford Transit SLZ5176 operating in the Richmond area of Lisburn.

The occupants of this vehicle are cold calling at houses and offering "gardening services". They are possibly operating under the name "City Landscapes".

Please be wary of accepting work offers from persons or firms that you have not previously requested to attend your property and be mindful of elderly and vulnerable neighbours being approached in such a fashion and who may be susceptible to pressured sales and / or unfair charges.

There is no suggestion that this vehicle and occupants are involved in anything untoward at this time

Suspicious / Bogus Caller - Aghalee area

Suspicious / Bogus Caller


Caller from the Meadowfield Court Aghalee area reports that at approximately 2:45pm a young male wearing a yellow workers jacket came to the house asking for a water sample.

The caller offered to get this for him but this male demanded in so that he could get it himself. The caller refused him entry and this male left. The male caller had short dark hair and spoke wuith an Irish brogue. The male left in a black car.

It is not known if he called at any other homes in the area.
Water Service have been unable to confirm if any of their workers are in the area.

Please be wary of any callers given recent distraction burglaries. Any genuine agency staff will have suitable identification and will understand and checks to their company you may wish to take time to make.

CSN Message


Burglary / Suspicious Vehicle

Around 2:45pm yesterday afternoon at least two males using a black Renault Megane are believed to have activated a house alarm in a property on the Mullaghcarton Road area of Lisburn. It is believed that these males were using a black Renault Megane car.

Around 1:15pm an elderly resident in Killowen Park Lisburn disturbed two teenagers in the house who made off with a handbag and cash. Both were males described as one wearing a royal blue top and the other wearing a black hoody.

Also in Killowen Park around 1pm two males were noted acting suspiciously around various properties. One is described as wearing a dark denim shirt and the other wearing a baseball cap. They were observed driving off in a black car.

The three incidents may well be connected.

Did you observe a black Renault Megane style car in the area? Can you offer a description of the two males involved or a registration of the vehicles?

If so please contact police with details. Please be aware of any activity involving a vehicle or persons as described above acting suspiciously in your area and contact police if concerned.


Theft

A 15' Super Simms speedboat and trailer were stolen between Tuesday 21st June and Thursday morning from a property on the Old Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn.

The boat is white in colour. Did you see any boats being towed in the area and if son can you decribe the vehicle, occupants or details of the registration?

If so please contact police at Lisburn.


Suspicious Vehicle

A burglary / vehicle theft was interrupted at Robinsons 4x4 Sales, Moira Road Hillsborough. Three males were believed to be trying to steal a vehicle when disturbed by neighbours. They made off in a red Audi A4 car towards the A1 carriageway.

Again if you can assist in identifying this vehicle or occupants please contact police with details.

Holiday Advice

`Willie Nickit?` – Yes he will!!*Picture courtesy of Safer Lisburn*

Help to make your community safer, and deter criminals by securing your property, by reporting suspicious activity promptly to police, and by demonstrating that you are switched on to crime prevention.


Holidays? - Want Peace of Mind while you’re Away?
Follow this good advice on making your home more secure:
 Make your home look like it’s occupied. Use automatic timer switches to turn lights on when it gets dark.

 Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.

 Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.

 Tidy the garden before you go and trim back any plants that obstruct the view to your house.

 Remove valuable items from view, place documents and valuables in a safe, if you have one.

 Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your property. Have them remove your post and leave a contact number for them in the case of emergency.

 Is there a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the area? Local Police will tell you if there is one.

 Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination.

 Remember to lock all outside doors and windows, and if you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set.

 Park your car tight to the garage door to prevent forced access.


Finally, just before you leave, spend a couple of minutes checking that you’ve done all you can to secure your property, so you can leave with peace of mind!

General All areas

CSN Message


On 31/05/2011 a local female resident received a call from a foreign male purporting to represent “Microsoft Windows”. He used the name A.J or Ajay Shaw. He stated 'Would you please put your laptop on, we have knowledge that there is a hacker in your machine'. He asked the female to go into Windows and then a pop-up came up on her screen with times and dates when a hacker was allegedly trying to get into the machine. He proceeded to say he would put a temporary block on the hacker and that he would report it.

The male then said that the warranty on her machine was up and that if the female paid an amount they would secure the system. A pop-up window appeared asking for her details including credit card details, which she entered.

The phone call lasted 55mins in total. The victim later phoned BT and they stated that the telephone number that the call had been made from was 'Unavailable'. BT believe that this was a foreign call.

The victim is ex-directory and the caller appeared to know the victims full name.

There have been a number of similar reports over recent weeks, and criminals are constantly identifying and developing new methods to defraud innocent members of the public.

WARNING! If you receive any unsolicited calls where you are asked to provide your name, date of birth and any bank / credit card details – DO NOT provide these details over the phone. If the caller represents a legitimate company, advise them to send their request in writing.

If you are shopping on the internet, make sure that before you provide any details of Debit or Credit cards that you are actually on a secure site. If you regularly shop “on-line”, you should consider setting up a PAYPAL account.

All areas - suspicious vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle


Around 6:45pm on Saturday evening a silver Mercedes E320 car with registration similar to EKZ8386 was noted in the Hillsborough Road, Dromara area.

The car and two male occupants called at a house in the area and when they realised the occupants where in enquired if their car was for sale - it wasn't nor had it been advertised as such.

If this vehicle is sighted acting suspiciously in the area please notify police with details.

All areas - suspicious activity

Suspicious Activity


Around 1:30pm yesterday in the Kernaghan Park area of Anahilt a child described as AN 8 YEAR OLD FOREIGN NATIONAL called at a house allegedly collecting fro Trocaire. The occupier reports that the child had no ID and no indication of being accompanied by an adult. It was further reported that the child had a good look into the hallway of the house and on leaving was straight onto his mobile telephone!.

CHILD DESCRIBED AS 8 YEARS OLD, 3'6 TALL DARK HAIR, SWARTHY SKIN, LIGHT GREY TRACK SUIT TOP AND DARK BOTTOMS.

There is no indication of the child being involved in criminality but given the circumstances and previous incidents of distraction type burglaries please be wary of any strangers or any suspicious activity in the area and notify police if concerned.

Please continue be mindful of vulnerable and elderly members of the community.

Advice re scam and fraudulent emails

Note the following advice details circulated from Action Fraud (from the www.directgov.gov.uk) which may be of use given the numbers of recent email scams.


Help disrupt fraudsters by reporting scam emails

Action Fraud has set up a dedicated email address where you can forward any scam emails that you receive. [25 February 2011]

People receiving scam emails are urged to forward them on to email@actionfraud.org.uk.

Important: When you send an email you are doing so over the open internet, which we cannot guarantee the security of. Therefore please do not send personal information, such as your address or bank account details, when emailing Action Fraud.

Please note: Once you have forwarded your scam mail, you do not need to contact Action Fraud again and you will not hear from them.

Got an email bounce back? Action Fraud have still received the scam emails you forward to them even if you get a bounce back message. The bounce back message just means the email has gone into a holding area for spam, which is then released and received by Action Fraud as usual. You therefore do not need to contact Action Fraud again once you have forwarded your scam emails.

The emails received by Action Fraud will be forwarded to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau run by the City of London Police for collation and analysis. This will enable crucial intelligence to be gathered and preventative action to be taken. The activity will seek to disrupt the fraudsters and close down the links between them and the victim.

Dr Bernard Herdan, CEO of the National Fraud Authority who runs Action Fraud, said: ‘This is the first time we have been able to collect and analyse scam mail and emails in this way. Collecting intelligence is the key to us being able to disrupt the activities of fraudsters and target their networks for closure.’
What should you do if you’ve received a scam email?

Do not click on any links in the scam email.

Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.

If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.

Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email.

Visit the Action Fraud website where there is information on how to forward on your scam mail. When you send an email you are doing so over the open internet, which we cannot guarantee the security of. Therefore please do not send personal information, such as your address or bank account details, when emailing Action Fraud.

If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank.

If you've been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud.

Fake emails often (but not always) display some of the following characteristics:

the sender’s email address doesn’t tally with the trusted organisation’s website address

the email is sent from a completely different address or a free web mail address

the email does not use your proper name, but uses a non-specific greeting like “dear customer”

a sense of urgency; for example the threat that unless you act immediately your account may be closed

a prominent website link. These can be forged or seem very similar to the proper address, but even a single character’s difference means a different website

a request for personal information such as user name, password or bank details

the email contains spelling and grammatical errors

you weren't expecting to get an email from the company that appears to have sent it

the entire text of the email is contained within an image rather than the usual text format

the image contains an embedded hyperlink to a bogus site

Excellent Result

Excellent Result


Just before midnight last night a member of the public who is involved in Neighbourhood Watch & CSN noted suspicious activity in the area of the Filling Station at Glenavy Road Moira.

The matter was immediately reported to police whose equally prompt response duly resulted in the arrests of two men for attempted burglary, going equipped and possession of a stolen vehicle.

This was an excellent combination of vigilance by the public, police actions in responding and two criminals effectively caught "red handed" and clearly indicates the benefits of members of the public participating in projects such as Neighbourhood Watch / CSN.

Well done to all those concerned.

Maze and All areas - Burglary and Scam Warning

Burglary


Between 3am and 4am this morning premises at Down Royal Golf Club, Dunygarton Road, Maze was broken into by at least two hooded males.

Entry was forced to the club via the main reception door and a window.

If you noted any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area in the early hours and can assist police enquiries please contact CID at Lisburn PSNI Station.
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Scams
Radio reports this morning of members of the public receiving scam text messages to their mobile telephones indicating they were eligible for insurance claims as the result of accidents.

Others were receiving text messages which indicated that they should reply "stop" if they no longer wished to receive same - the outcome being that any reply to these messages incurred a large charge circa £10 which no doubt went to the originator.

If you receive any dubious emails or text messages do not respond simply delete them of your system preferably without opening them if possible.

Genuine communications on such matters will no doubt be written and relate to details that you will already be aware of.

In relation to the foreign lottery letters that many receive - if you didn't enter the lottery or any other competition you cannot have won it. Bin it.

Suspicious vehicle - all areas

Suspicious Vehicle


Reports of a blue Ford Galaxy registration BKZ3174 in the Maghaberry Village area. Sighted aproximately 10 minutes ago in the area of Glen Close.

Reports of the occupants calling at houses in the area. Whilst the activities of these persons may be genuine you are remined to be wary of cold callers / rogue traders. This vehicle was also believed to have been in the area last week.

Given recent burglaries in the Maghaberry area please be vigilant and careful as to who you allow to access your property.

Suspicious vehicle - all areas

Suspicious Vehicle / Theft


Reports of a yellow LDV / transit type van with registration similar to HLZ3869 operating in the Moira / Aghalee area this morning between 730am and 830am.

Two males on board - one approx 30 years old, small build with earrings the other approx 45 years old , bald with earrings.

Vehicle was also sighted in the Ballinderry area checking out properties

May have been involved in a theft at Chapel Road Aghalee.

If sighted please notify police asap.

Burglary / Vehicle Theft - all areas

Burglary / Vehicle Theft


Creeper burglars burgle houses to locate car keys and to subsequently steal vehicles. Recent incidents indicate some of these individuals are using straightened coat hangers as a means to attempt to lift keys off hall tables.

CSN would remind householders not to leave their house/car keys within easy reach of their letterboxes - this may help reduce the number of victims of creeper burglaries.

A burglary attempt in Moira was made in the early hours (0430am) of yesterday morning in the Berwick Heights area using this very procedure. The criminals were disturbed by the householder and made off.

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During daytime yesterday a property at Glenroe Maghaberry was burgled. Around 7pm the occupants discovered the property had been entered via the patio doors and 2 televisions and games consoles had been stolen.

A so far unidentified white van was noted in the area at the time. Did you see this vehicle? Did you note the registration, type or any details of the occupants that may assist in enquiries? If so please pass details to police at Lisburn.

All areas - suspicious vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle


POSSIBLY USED by rogue traders a blue Ford transit type van with registration similar to NHZ6715 was reported acting suspiciously in the Moira area.

We have had burglaries / thefts reported in the area over the last two weeks. Whilst the above vehicle may be involved in legitimate activity if sighted please notify police.

Moira and all Areas

Theft / Burglary


Farm buildings on Station Road, Moira were broken into overnight between 10pm and 7am this morning. A blue twin axle trailer with registration YBZ4456 was stolen along with a diesel generator.

If you noticed this trailer being towed or any activity that may help identify the vehicle used in this theft please contact police with details.

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Supervalue on Main Street, Moira was also broken into and a large amount of cigarettes stolen. The thieves used a high side white transit type van.

At least two masked males were involved in forcing the front shutters / doors to the premises. The incident occurred around 2am this morning.

Again if you noted any suspicious activity or vehicles / persons in the vicinity please contact police with details.

All areas - suspicious vehicle

Suspicious Vehicle


Report of a black Toyota Avensis acting suspiciously in the Old Stables area of Ballinderry. May have been active in the area over the last couple of days.

If you sight a vehicle matching the above description and believe it to be suspicious please contact police with details.