All areas general

Morning all.

Please see details below of a method being used by mobile phone call/ text scam artists. Of note is the use of a false UK landland number to lull the victim into a false sense of security.

Mobile phone users are asked not to accept a UK contact number as proof that a mobile phone cold-caller is genuine as 'fake' UK landline numbers can be used by fraudsters to mask their overseas location.

Police are aware of a number of 'scam' texts and phone calls designed to trick members of the public into making payments for non-existent services, such as Payment Protection Insurance compensation and computer fault repair.

A phone call or text is received by the mobile phone, using a UK landland number for the potential victim to call back to find out more. However, such landline numbers can in fact be based overseas and are not proof that the caller is genuine.

If such a call or text is a scam the fraudster is likely to be based overseas, despite the appearance of the landline number offered.

The scam caller will then ask for a 'U-Cash' voucher or similar to be used for payment to be made for services which do not exist.

Police would always recommend that members of the public who wish to use the services of a firms such as Payment Protection Insurance recovery company or a computer repair company do so by seeking a personally recommended and/ or reputable and established firm.

Anyone who has lost money to a scam like this should report it by contacting police on 0845 600 8000 and also using the Action Fraud website (www.actionfraud.police.uk). Members of the public who were not a victim but aware of an attempted fraud should use the Action Fraud service directly.
Further guidance -
Advice to avoid computer software service/ repair scam calls -

• Computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer. Fraudsters make these phone calls to try to steal from you and damage your computer with malware. Treat all unsolicited phone calls with scepticism and don’t give out any personal information.
• Computer firms tend not to send out unsolicited communication about security updates, although they do send security software updates to subscribers of the security communications program. If in doubt, don’t open the email.
• Microsoft does not request credit card information to validate copies of Windows. Microsoft does validate requests to download software from its website via its ‘Genuine Advantage Program’, but never asks for any personally identifying information, including credit card details.
• The ‘Microsoft Lottery’ does not exist.

Thanks and regards,

Colin

Glenavy - arson attack

Arson

There was an arson attempt on Glenavy Protestant Hall Main Street Glenavy overnight.

Two wheelie bins had been placed against he gates to the hall grounds and set alight.

Again if you noticed any suspicious activity around the hall please contact police with details.

Oil thefts and Scam - All areas

Oil Thefts

This is a reminder that with the holiday season approaching and schools closing for you to be mindful of any activity in any neighbouring schools, church buildings and other such properties which will be affected by attendance in the July and August period.

In recent weeks there have been a number of bulk heating oil thefts from such establishments and any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles around such premises should be reported to police.

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Scams

Yesterday and elderly Lady residing in the Lisburn area received a telephone call from a female identifying herself as a "Shelley Rogers" who was involved in settling PPI (payment protection insurance) claims that had been improperly sold.

This person had all the personal details of the Lady concerned and informed her that a male by the name of "Nick Phillips" would be calling that afternoon to present her with a cheque in excess of £2600. The Lady was then told that a further male (no name given) would call and collect from her a UKASH voucher to the value of £377 which she was to purchase from a local store.

It was emphasised that the Voucher was not to be given to the first caller.

The Lady concerned was astute enough to realise that this was a scam but played along stating she had not got £377 and settled on £177. The Lady also checked with the store named who informed her that such vouchers are not issued to senior citizens in any case due to a Crimestoppers alert on such activity.

Please be mindful of any such scam calls and notify police of any details involved. Please be sure elderly and vulnerable family and neighbours are made aware.

UKash is a legitimate form of e-money product; other types would include prepaid debit or credit cards. The main use of the UKash vouchers is to trade or make purchases online without the requirement of having a bank account.

This form of electronic money is increasingly being used by fraudsters when targeting victims in the various forms of ‘Advanced Fee’ scams.

(UKASH for their part have been proactive in improving their counter fraud measures and now operate a 24hr reporting service for people who want to report voucher fraud)

Home security - all areas - awareness

The following details relate to incidents that have recently occurred within the Moira area that police wish the public to be made aware of through the CSN. *******************************************************************************************************************************************

Over the past 24 hours two houses in the Gortraney Road and Clontarriff Road areas where broken into by forcing entry into the properties whilst the occupants where away. Although both incidents are at present not believed to be linked it is clearly evident that criminals are searching for potential targets especially vacant homes.

Police are appealing for information regarding these incidents if you where in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact Police on 0845 600 8000.

HOUSEHOLDERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT WHEN LEAVING THEIR HOMES THAT THEY ARE LOCKED AND SECURED. SHOULD ANYONE WISH TO HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL SECURITY ADVICE ABOUT THERE PROPERTY TO CONTACT LOCAL POLICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE AN INSPECTION.

In an separate incident two males attempted to gain entry to out buildings at Aghalee Parish Church in the early hours of Tuesday 12th June. Police have a definite lines of enquires but would still like to speak with anyone in the area at the time who may have seen suspicious activity.

REMEMBER BE ALERT! BE AWARE! AND BE SUSPICIOUS!!!!

Moira - Oil Theft

Oil Theft Between 31/05/12 and yesterday morning several thousand litres of heating oil were stolen from the oil tanks at Meadow Bridge Primary school on Lany Road Moira. This is the second such theft from a local country Primary School in the last two weeks. Did you notice any activity in the school over the holiday break or any tanker type lorries in the vicinity? If so please contact police with details.

Distraction Burglaries - all areas

Distraction Burglaries

Over the last month there were a number of incidents in neighbouring areas (Finaghy, Carryduff & Bangor) where two males posed as members of the Water Service "checking taps for blue dye".

Very vague descriptions - one described as swarthy skinned, no vehicle identified.

Please be wary of bogus callers - proper representitives of any agencies will have photo identification and will be patient to wait for you to check credentials with the relative agency.

Please ensure elderly and vulnerable family and neighbours are aware.

Garages and Sheds - All areas

As we approach the brighter nights and the gardening season the local police and Community Safety Partnership would like to remind residents of a few simple crime prevention techniques that can help deter criminals and help prevent thefts from garden sheds and garages.

By following a few simple steps you may be able to avoid becoming a victim of this sort of crime;

✜ Ensure you always lock your shed or garage

✜ On sheds use a Hasp lock (this is a plate that covers retaining screws)

✜ Fit curtains or blinds to your shed or garage to stop persons looking in.

✜ Consider coverage of your shed or garage by a censored light.

✜ Make sure all property in your shed or garage is properly marked (postcode and house number).

✜ Consider fitting a portable PIR alarm (less than £15 from any DIY store) or one linked to your house alarm.

✜ Make sure all ladders and tools that could assist the criminal are locked away securely.

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