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.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
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
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
Saturday, 19 November 2011
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.
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.
*************************************************************************************************************************************************
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.
Friday, 21 October 2011
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.
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
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
Friday, 14 October 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
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
• 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
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